“Before you disappear from my house,” he said in a flat, emotionless tone, “take this outside and throw it away. Since you’re useless, at least serve one final purpose.”
Laughter erupted behind me—Ryan, Vanessa, and Margaret all enjoying the moment as if it were entertainment.
My throat tightened. I clutched the bag to my chest and turned away, walking out into the storm as the massive oak doors slammed shut behind me with a deafening finality.
The rain hit me like needles. My bare feet slipped against the slick stone driveway as I struggled forward. The bag was heavier than it should have been, rigid in a way that felt strange, but I barely noticed. My mind replayed their laughter over and over again, blending with the thunder crashing overhead.
By the time I reached the iron gate, I was shaking uncontrollably. The guard, Daniel, stood inside his booth. He had always been kind to me, accepting the coffee I brought him on cold nights, greeting me with quiet respect. Now he couldn’t even look at me.
“I’m sorry, ma’am…” he muttered as he pressed the button to unlock the small gate.
“I don’t feel anything anymore, Daniel,” I whispered, though my voice cracked as I said it.
Outside, the street was empty except for the storm. I dragged myself toward the row of metal trash bins near the curb. Lifting the bag felt impossible, my hands numb and slick with rain. When I tried, it slipped from my grip and slammed onto the pavement with a heavy, metallic sound.
The plastic split open.
I froze.
There was no garbage inside.
Instead, through the torn plastic, I saw the edge of a sleek, reinforced briefcase—matte black, the kind designed to protect something valuable.
My breath caught in my throat.
I dropped to my knees, ignoring the cold water soaking through the thin fabric of my nightgown. With trembling hands, I tore the bag open completely. The case stared back at me, untouched by the rain. A biometric lock gleamed faintly under the streetlight, but beside it was a key slot—and attached to the handle was a small titanium key.
My fingers shook so badly I nearly dropped it as I inserted the key and turned.
Click.
The case opened.