The rest of the house had been carefully restored. It was ready for me to move into as soon as my stuff arrived from New York. “I will treasure this place forever.”
“I know you will. That’s why it was an easy decision to sell to Virg.” She checked her watch. “I’ve got to run. My bingo match starts in thirty minutes. I need to show those other whippersnappers a thing or two.”
I hugged Peggy tightly. “Beat ’em all, Peggy. Show them who’s boss.”
“You bet your ass I will. Here’s the keys. Have me over for dinner sometime when you’re settled so I can see the place.”
“Of course. I’ll make Grandpa’s famous pot roast.”
“Now you’re talking. And your fudge.”
“You bet.”
Peggy handed me the keys, and the closing of the door signified I was alone. In my house. My house. The words still felt odd. In New York, I’d rented a small, one-bedroom apartment that was barely larger than the living room here. Now I had a three-story house all to myself. My dream house.
“Thank you, Grandpa. I love it. I wish you were here to hug.”
Thinking about Grandpa, I remembered the note he’d left for me. I dug it out of my purse, walked to the old stone fireplace, and sat on the hearth. From the time I’d spent over here with Peggy and Wilbur, I knew the fireplace was part of the original house, which was built in 18
66. The stone had been worn smooth over time, and every chip and imperfection had its own story to tell.
As I pulled out the letter, the coin fell out into my hand. What’s the significance? Alchemist. I needed to research the word, see if there had been any coins crafted for alchemists as a group.
I opened the letter.
My Dearest Ayana,
Our lives are in danger. I implore you for help at once, my old friend. My beloved has taken ill. I fear if we do not move on soon, we will surely be found. I would never forgive myself if the truth were taken with us. For surely if discovered, they will bury us without regret.
The one who eliminates for them follows closely behind us. So close I can almost hear his breathing at night. It is with great need and urgency I beg for your help. I need the medallion. It is the only thing that will save us.
To find us, you must follow my path. But know in doing so, you will discover things that are unimaginable. Things that have haunted my days and my nights. Truths we thought we knew are nothing but lies woven together to make us think we see what is truly not there.
You must go to the stone hearth flanked by the two brass lights Mother received from her father. Start the fire and look to your right, for hidden in the pecan bookcase is what you seek. You must find someone you trust, my brave, dear friend. Only someone you trust. Your life will depend on it. My life will depend on it.
The letter will start you on your path to us… to me.
Be sure to hide the medallion on your person and do not show it to anyone.
God speed, my dearest beloved friend.
Q
I read the letter again. And again.
Who is Q? A path to who? Why hide the medallion?
Is the coin I’m holding the medallion?