Chapter 6 - THE SECRET BENEATH BELLAMY'S CLOCK SHOP
The first threat arrived on a Tuesday.
A handwritten note slipped beneath the shop door.
SELL THE BUILDING OR LOSE IT.
I stared at the paper.
Then called Lacey.
She arrived fifteen minutes later.
“Nora.”
I showed her.
Her expression changed.
“Blake?”
I shook my head.
“I don't know.”
She looked around.
“Have you called the police?”
“Not yet.”
She frowned.
“Why?”
I hesitated.
Then admitted:
“Because I think this is bigger than Blake.”
That evening, Caleb arrived.
I showed him the note.
His expression hardened.
“Did anyone see who delivered it?”
I shook my head.
He looked toward the windows.
Then back at me.
“Nora.”
“Yes?”
“Your building sits on land several developers want.”
“I know.”
He paused.
“But there's another reason.”
My stomach tightened.
“What?”
Caleb looked at the old grandfather clock standing beside the counter.
The one my grandfather had refused to sell.
The one that had stopped working the year he died.
Then he said:
“Your grandfather kept records.”
I stared.
“What records?”
Caleb swallowed.
“Records that could expose people who have been stealing money through Louisville construction projects for years.”
Silence.
I looked toward the clock.
Then back at him.
“You're telling me my grandfather hid evidence in a clock?”
Caleb nodded.
“Yes.”
I stared.
May you like
Then whispered:
“Of course he did.”
