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A rough shove sends me stumbling into a cramped room behind Austin. It’s more of a closet than a room, really, with barely enough room for the two of us. I bump my friend’s shoulder as I face the three men.
“You’ll stay here until Hawksley comes. You’d better get your story straight now.” The door slams in my face.
As the adrenaline of the chase fades, my headache returns. It pounds my skull in harmony with the thoughts pounding my mind.
Why did God allow this to happen?
I’ll never have the money I need now. I’ll be in debt for years.
Eva was right. I should never have looked for this.
What will Hawksley do? I might go to jail. I might get slapped with huge fines. How am I supposed to pay for those?
The worries and doubts continue to bombard. Austin is silent, and if I couldn’t hear him breathing, I wouldn’t know he’s in the room with me. Likely, his brain also swims with doomsday thoughts.
If I’m in prison, who’ll drive Eva back to our grandparents’ house? She won’t be able to drive herself for a long time. And whoever’s car she borrowed is totaled—it won’t be going anywhere. But every day she stays in the hospital is another day I’ll have to pay for.
Her words spring to mind. “They’re not your problem; they’re God’s. He gave you this problem, and He wants to take care of it, too.”
Well, God, here’s your chance. I’m stumped. You’re right after all; this was never my problem to solve. I tried. And look where it got me.
Several minutes later, the door flies open. Two servants stand outside in the hall, each holding flashlights, accompanied by a tired-looking Mr. Hawksley. His pursed lips and irritated stare make it clear he is less than pleased to see us. His eyes fall on me and widen slightly.
“Cannan Gable?” His voice is scratchy. Turning to Austin, his face resumes a look of annoyance. “Explain yourselves.”
I glance at Austin, who stares at the floor. His shoulders slump; he doesn’t seem to be in any position to defend himself. It’s up to me to answer.
“We were…looking for something.”
A servant laughs. “Of course. We’ve had many aspiring treasure hunters such as you on our property. You’re the first to get inside, though.”
Hawksley also wears an amused grin, his irritation gone. “Do tell me how you got inside. An old man like me gets no entertainment.”
I hesitate, but there’s no point in secrets now. Perhaps compliance will lessen our punishment. Starting from the first piano lesson, I recount our hunt, leaving out details about Eva. I don’t want her connected to this. By the time I reach today’s search, all three listeners seem impressed by how much we discovered. The room fades into silence after I end at our chase and capture.
Now, both Austin and I stare at the floor, unsure of what to do. The servants and Mr. Hawksley stand wordlessly, looking us up and down.
Finally, the old man speaks. “You want to see the treasure? Come with me.”
My head darts up. Is it really that easy? Is he about to hand us the information we’ve been seeking this whole time?
He smiles like he’s part of an inside joke. “You’re welcome to take it if you can.”
Austin finally shakes off his stupor at that. Mr. Hawksley’s knowing smirk only grows.
Through the hallways we go, down staircases, around corners, through doors, closer and closer to the bottom floor. The trip is eerily quiet, muted footsteps and creaky floorboards the only sounds. The two servants—one in front, one behind—brandish their flashlights and part the darkness wrapping around us.
We exit one hallway and join with a larger one. Something about it feels familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it. The passage twists left and right, branching off into other halls.
Rounding a corner, the treasure comes into full view.
I stop and gape. What kind of trick is this?
The man at the back pushes me forward, and I’m forced to continue walking. Our guides seem to have no intention of turning to a different room. Hawksley and the men come to a halt in the doorway of a large circular room. Their flashlight beams settle on a large, reflective black object in the center.
The piano.
I stare at it.
Hawksley nods toward it. “This is all the treasure we have left, boy.”
Austin sputters. “But—but the rumors! Your family is rich!”
“Was rich. Wilhelm, the light, if you please.”
One flashlight points toward the old man, illuminating his features. “You told us your story. Now you hear mine. Consider it a reward, of sorts, for your efforts.
“My grandfather’s father made a fortune in railroads. He used his wealth to give himself a life of luxury, but he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to soothe his conscience from all those he cheated in business. So when the Civil War begun, he added hidden rooms to his mansion to hide runaway slaves. He became a hermit and let people believe he was losing his mind. He eventually passed on and left his fortune to his descendants.
“For generations, we’ve lived on the money he amassed. We ran out years ago, and we’ve sold nearly every object that can be sold. And ever since my son died…” His voice trails off and he looks at the ground. “Ever since the accident, we’ve had no one to provide for us.”
Something tickles at the back of my mind. “What did your son look like?”
“You saw his portrait. It’s one of our last belongings.”
I cock my head. That’s his son?
Austin steps forward. “What about the piano? This isn’t treasure.”
“It is to me. It was a gift from a slave Arthur helped. Our family has played it for decades. But, alas, I am getting too old to play or teach, which is why I need Cannan to teach my grandson.”
The barrage of information overwhelms me. I can’t think of a thing to say.
“Now you know the truth. I never want to see either of you sneaking through this house again. I will call the police next time. Cannan, you will return for lessons, but will be watched the entire time.”
I nod, relieved.
He looks at the two accompanying servants. “Escort these two outside, please.”
Before we realize it, we’re standing in the chilly midnight air, the door shut and locked behind us.
The walk back to the car is unbearably long.
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