Even as a child she had admired the coffer that sat on her uncle’s mantelpiece.
It didn’t look particularly expensive but her uncle had said it was an heirloom that had been passed on down through many generations. Even as a small child the thing didn’t look that old. However, he always insisted that it was really precious. As a youngster she loved looking at the delicate floral designs. She had never been able to open it. When she was older she asked about it. He had said that it contained something that was priceless and that is why it was always locked. As the years went on and visits to his house grew less and less, she had later been informed that the key for it was hidden somewhere in the house and would be found when the right time came. Then, at a time later still, she was told that the coffer would be left to her in his will, along with the key.
If nothing else, being told this had left her with a feeling of intrigue, but she had forgotten all about it until she heard that he had died. As a young woman now she attended the funeral with her parents. Sometime later, after the will was read, she received word that, as promised, the coffer was with his solicitor at his office and could be collected when convenient.
She certainly felt a sense of excitement the day she called in. Sure enough, the item was there in an old cotton bag. Before she left, the solicitor opened a safe and handed over the key separately.
When she got home she went to her room and opened it.
It was empty.
The truth of the matter was, she had never liked him.