Page 55 of Filthy Savage

I run my hand along the edges, feeling for a groove or some sign of another opening. “I don’t know how they did this.”

“Wait, let me try something.” She takes the vase again. “My hands are smaller,” she says, hugging it with one arm and slipping the other hand inside. “I’m totally gonna break this if my hand gets stuck.”

“No you won’t. I’ve got WD-40 in my truck if that happens.”

Her eyes light up. “I feel something.”

Nancy lifts out the false bottom. She passes it to me, then lifts out a key. “What the hell?” she exclaims, dangling it on the keyring that holds it.

“That looks like it’s for a safety deposit box.” I take it and check the tiny emblem etched at the top. “I know this bank. It’s the Costa Verde Savings and Loan. Do you remember that bank in town?”

“I think so. Do you think the box is still in Dad’s name?”

“Only one way to find out. He or Mom went to a lot a trouble to hide this key. Do you feel like taking a drive? But we’ve gotta stop for some coffee.”

She grabs her purse near the front and pulls out the locker key. “You lock up and I’ll bring the car around.”