Chapter 9 - The Auction Was Covering Something Larger
The music box had been scheduled for sale that night.
Estimated value:
$38,000.
But its real importance was not artistic.
It was evidentiary.
Victoria had recently discovered Margaret’s letter while preparing
family items for auction.
She also found references to Winter House.
If the music box sold to a private collector, the hidden compartment and
remaining papers might disappear again.
Sarah’s unexpected attendance changed that.
Victoria panicked.
She needed to know whether Sarah recognized the object.
So she moved it into the open.
Then Oliver accidentally knocked it over.
The hidden panel broke.
Everything Victoria feared happened at once.
Sarah found the photograph.
The envelope.
The records.
Richard asked Victoria:
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She stared at him.
“Because you would have stopped the sale.”
That answer revealed another problem.
May you like
Victoria had not been protecting Richard.
She had been protecting herself.
