Chapter 5
The weeks before the wedding should have been joyful.
Instead, my parents began a campaign.
My mother called my friends and told them I was making an emotional decision.
My father removed me from several projects at work before I could resign.
Bennett appeared outside my apartment one evening with a bottle of wine and an expression of concern.
“Your parents are worried about you,” he said.
“They shouldn’t have sent you.”
“They didn’t.”
“I don’t believe that.”
He looked down the hallway before lowering his voice.
“Miles may not be who you think he is.”
“Did my father tell you to say that?”
“No.”
“Then what do you know?”
Bennett’s eyes moved toward my door.
“Only that our fathers have reasons for wanting you away from the Carters.”
“What reasons?”
He hesitated.
“That’s not my story to tell.”
“Then don’t come here again.”
I closed the door.
When I told Miles, his expression changed.
“Bennett said that?”
“Yes.”
Miles walked to the window and stared down at the street.
“What is happening?” I asked.
He put both hands on the windowsill.
“Something I need to finish before the wedding.”
“Does this involve your father?”
He turned.
“I think so.”
“You think so?”
“A few months ago, my mother gave me Dad’s old toolbox. It had been sitting in her closet since he died.”
I waited.
“There was a key sewn into the lining.”
My stomach tightened.
“The brass key?”
He nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn’t know what it opened. There was a number engraved on it, but no name. I finally traced it to an old storage facility outside town.”
“And?”
“The facility changed owners twice. Their records are incomplete.”
“But you found the locker.”
“I found where it used to be registered.”
“To whom?”
His eyes met mine.
“My father.”
I took a step back.
“What was in it?”
“I haven’t opened it yet.”
“Why not?”
“The current owner won’t release anything until I prove I’m Arthur Carter’s son. I’m waiting for certified records.”
I thought of my father’s fear.
My mother’s pale face.
Bennett standing outside my apartment.
May you like
“Do you think my parents know what’s inside?”
“I think they’re afraid I’ll find out.”
