Page 32 of Max's Mission

“Likewise. Brittney said you’d like to access your safe deposit box.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have an ID on you, ma’am?”

Digging in her purse, Margot produced her passport. Mr. Skokar examined it, then typed her name into the tablet he carried. It took just moments for him to verify her identity. “Very good.” He handed her the passport book. “If you’d like to follow me?” He motioned them toward the thick, steel vault door.

Margot tucked her passport into her purse and trailed behind him into the vault. Max hung back a bit with Brittney, not wanting to get in the way.

“Box 1538, correct?”

“Yes.”

Producing a set of keys from his pocket, Mr. Skokar walked down the row until he found hers, then unlocked it. Margot took her key ring from her bag and put her box key in the second lock and turned it. The door swung open a fraction. She removed her key and stepped back so the manager could take the box out of its cubby.

With a soft metallic swish, the box came free.

“Let’s go into one of our private viewing rooms.” He tipped his head toward the vault door.

Margot reversed directions, then they all followed Brittney down a short hall to a small room with a table and a couple of chairs.

Mr. Skokar set the box on the table. “Take all the time you need. When you’re finished, please come find me or one of the staff.”

“Thank you.” Margot offered him a polite smile.

“You’re welcome.” Bowing slightly at the waist, he left with Brittney, closing the door behind them.

“So, do you remember everything that’s supposed to be in there?” Max pointed at the box.

Margot blew out a breath and sat down. “Mostly. We might need to call Annabeth, though, and have her get into my safe. It has the list of the contents.”

He pulled out the chair beside her and sank into it. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”

She flipped open the lid.

Max let out a low whistle as he got his first glimpse of the contents. “Damn. These are some—” He broke off and shook his head. “Your parents gave you some nice stuff.” Just on top, he could see a diamond pendant that was probably ten carats. It hung on a platinum chain. Beside it was a sapphire and diamondbracelet. Pops of ruby red and emerald green shone in the overhead light. He saw some yellow topaz too.

“Yeah. It’s pretty, but I really don’t want their money. When I say they didn’t really want me, I’m not kidding. I had nannies from day one, and they left me with them frequently to go on all sorts of overseas trips. Even when they were home, I rarely saw them.” She picked up a sapphire and diamond bracelet, running her thumb over one of the stones.

“It just makes me feel dirty to have all this, you know? Like I’m just an employee or something they can throw money at to pacify. I’m glad now I never got rid of it, though. One day, I’ll divide it up amongst my kids. But until then, it can sit right here and gather dust.” She dropped the bracelet back into the box.

He reached in and picked up a coin on a velvet pad. “I’ve put some of my wealth in hard currency. Gold. Silver. But not rare coins or jewelry. It’s a good idea.” It was definitely something to consider. He was always looking for ways to diversify his holdings and to have more tangible assets. Stocks were great. Until the market crashed.

“I know some people who could help you with that. I’ve taken small amounts from my savings over the years and done the same thing. I brought those holdings down to Costa Rica with me.”

He glanced at her. “You did?”

She nodded, not looking up from combing through the box. “I have a few pieces of jewelry and some coins. They’re all at the house. I wear the jewelry from time to time.”

His brow furrowed, then his expression cleared. “The comb you like to wear. And that mother’s necklace.”

“Yep. I have a ring and a bracelet too. It’s not much, but I know it’s an investment that I can sell on a rainy day if I need to. I almost did when Tad left.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t take it and sell it. It would be easy money if he were gambling.”

Her hands stilled, then she looked up with wide eyes.

“What?” He frowned. “What did you remember?”

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