“That was Thomas’s trap. He built a legal wall around you so that no one could take advantage of you.”

Walter slid the box across the table.

My fingers shook as I touched the small brass latch.

I thought about Raymond’s questions.

I thought about his interest in my bank accounts and will.

Then I thought about Thomas’s final promise.

I opened the lid.

Inside was the deed to Thomas’s family home.

Beneath it were legal trust documents bearing my name.

But that was not what made me gasp.

Part 3:

A thick bundle of letters lay beneath the papers, tied carefully with a piece of twine.

There were fifty-five letters.

One for almost every year Thomas and I had been apart.

A handwritten note rested on top.

I pressed a hand to my mouth as tears ran down my face.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered.