Chapter 13 - Maggie Asked About the Silver Key
Margaret Rose was twelve when she found the silver key displayed in the foundation archive.
I had donated it after years wearing it privately.
A small plaque explained that Margaret Hamilton used the key to preserve financial records that ultimately funded the foundation.
Maggie asked, “Is this the key Grandma gave you when she died?”
“Yes.”
“Dad says it changed his life.”
“It changed several.”
“Can I hold it?”
The museum director allowed it with gloves.
Maggie stared.
“So tiny.”
“Yes.”
“What did it open?”
“A safe.”
“What was inside?”
“Documents.”
She looked disappointed.
“Not treasure?”
I smiled.
“Documents can be expensive treasure.”
She rolled her eyes.
Then asked, “Did Grandma really say destroy Dad?”
I froze.
Mark had apparently told her a simplified version.
“I thought she did.”
“Did she?”
“She could barely speak.”
“So maybe she said something else.”
I considered.
Perhaps.
Do not protect him.
Destroy the lie.
Who knew.
Memory transforms.
“What do you think she meant?” Maggie asked.
“I think she wanted me to stop helping him avoid consequences.”
Maggie nodded.
May you like
“Dad says that too.”
Good.
