Page 10 of Deadly Sins

I examined the plain key. It looked like the safe-deposit box key from our bank. Joaquín and I had opened the box for my mom’s jewelry once I turned eighteen, but I’d forgotten all about it. I had my own key somewhere back at my place, but I would’ve never thought to look in the box.

My jaw dropped. I knew he hadn’t killed Tiffany. He must’ve known something was going down. Joaquín was so smart, he had planned to send me on this chase. He believed in me and knew I could save him.

My watch read four-thirteen. The bank was open until six. I stuffed the dirty pouch into my pocket, raced back to the truck, and sped down the hill.

After stewing for twenty-five minutes in traffic, I reached the bank. I handed the teller the key, she asked for my ID and gave me the signature card.

Joaquín’s name was signed above mine; the date entered was a week after the murder.

Holy shit! He’d come up here just the other week and hadn’t told me?

I scribbled my name on the card, and she led me to the safe-deposit boxes. When she placed the bank key in the lock with mine, it clicked open, and she handed me the box. My heart fluttered.

I took the box to a private room, anticipating what I would find. A note? Instructions?

I slowly opened the lid.

There was a certified check made out to me for seventy-five thousand dollars. Also dated a week after the murder.

Where did he get this money? Was this money dirty? Related to Tiffany’s death?

A note was under the check. Mia, here’s the rest of Mom and Dad’s life insurance. Please spend it wisely. I love you.

Please spend it wisely.

He knew. He knew he’d be arrested. It was a testament to our close relationship that he knew he could provide the one hint that would send me here. It also showed how much he loved me, that he wanted to provide for me, look after me. Just as he had always done.

I emptied the safe-deposit box, desperate for another clue. But it was completely barren.

The only thing I could conclude was that he was in over his head in something…I didn’t know what. His last gesture, which didn’t surprise me, was to make sure I was taken care of. It brought tears to my eyes. My heart ached.

But I had other plans. I would take this money and find out the truth. I’d clear his name.

I slammed the box shut and walked out to the teller. “I’d like to deposit this check.”