Underneath it was a false bottom.
And under that false bottom lay a worn blue savings ledger — the kind banks stopped printing decades ago.
The cover was soft from years of handling.
The corners were rounded smooth, like a stone from a river.
I was about to open it when Valerie walked in without knocking.
« What are you doing up here, Dad? » she said sharply, smoothing her black designer dress.
« Sergio is downstairs entertaining your business partners. You should be down there showing your face. »
I held up the ledger.
« I found this hidden in your mother’s sewing box. »
Valerie snatched it out of my hand.