Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO COULD FIX BROKEN THINGS
The next morning, Caleb arrived carrying tools.
I stared.
“What are you doing?”
He smiled.
“Fixing the door.”
I folded my arms.
“You have employees for that.”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you here?”
He looked at me.
“Rule number six.”
I blinked.
Then laughed.
“He knows how to fix something with his hands.”
Caleb smiled.
“Exactly.”
He spent three hours repairing the damaged doorframe.
I watched from the workbench.
He worked carefully.
Measured twice.
Cut once.
And didn't complain when I corrected him.
By noon, the door was secure.
I handed him coffee.
“Not bad.”
He smiled.
“High praise.”
I laughed.
Then looked at the grandfather clock.
Caleb followed my gaze.
“Have you opened it?”
I shook my head.
“Not yet.”
He nodded.
“Want help?”
I considered.
Then smiled.
“Yes.”
Together, we moved the clock away from the wall.
I removed the back panel.
Inside, behind the movement, was a small wooden compartment.
My heart raced.
I reached inside.
And pulled out a metal box.
Caleb went still.
I opened it.
Inside were documents.
Photographs.
Bank records.
And a letter addressed to me.
May you like
FOR NORA, WHEN SHE'S READY TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
My hands began shaking.
