Deirdre was momentarily stunned as she watched Arthur search around the study. Eventually, he uncovered a rusty key from a drawer.

Arthur raised the key. "Is this what your mother desired?"

Deirdre's mind raced, thoughts swirling. "Is this from my mother?"

A hint of disappointment shadowed Arthur's eyes as he nodded. "This is the only thing she left me before she departed. She didn't explain why. She just made me promise to keep this key and never search for her.

"Although I agreed, the thou