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Georgia was my last hope for information. If my grandmother didn’t confide in her, there definitely wasn’t anyone else.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the antique store. It was an old, single-story building with a flowery sign above the door that said “The Piccolo Antique Store.” Georgia and I got out of my car, and I opened the store door for her. While she looked around, picking up little trinkets and marveling over them, I followed along behind her.
“Hey, Everleigh,” a voice called out.
I turned around to see Brenda Rothberg, the owner of the store. She was about seventy years old with long, white hair that was smoother than silk and a face that could pass for someone much younger. My grandmother was confident she’d had some plastic surgery done, but Brenda always denied it. The last time I saw her was at the funeral.
“Hi, Brenda,” I said, smiling at her.
She came up and hugged me, her grip firm. “How are you?”
I let her go and smiled. “Good. I brought Georgia so she could look around.”
Brenda found Georgia across the way and sighed. “She used to come in here with your grandmother.”
I nodded. “I know.”
Her eyes brightened. “Have you decided what you’re going to do with your grandmother’s house? Last I heard, you still didn’t know.”
I shrugged. “I’m still thinking about it.”
She squeezed my arm. “Okay. Let me know if you want to sell. People all over this town would jump at the chance to buy it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it went into a bidding war.”
I had no doubt. People had been trying to buy my grandmother’s house for many years.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I promised.
Sadly, I wasn’t going to sell to the highest bidder; it wasn’t about the money for me. Brenda started to walk away but then gasped and turned around.
“Oh, and another thing, and I hope this isn’t insensitive, but if you decide to pass along your grandmother’s bedroom set, I would love to buy it back. She purchased it from me thirty-five years ago, and I’ve had many people asking for furniture like that.”
“Wow,” I replied in disbelief. “I didn’t realize it was in such high demand.”
Brenda snorted. “Oh, yes, my dear. I think it’s the hidden compartments that people find so intriguing.”
My heart stopped and I stared at her, my mouth dropping in shock. “What? What do you mean, hidden compartments?”
Brenda’s grin spread across her face. “Your grandmother loved that about it. I think it was the selling point for her. But also, the furniture is quite lovely.”
It was another secret my grandmother had kept from me. Pulse racing, I was ready to get home.
“Do you remember where the secret compartments are on the furniture?” I asked. Even if she didn’t, I was going to search around until I found them.
Brenda nodded excitedly. “Of course. They’re in the big armoire, the one with the middle door and the line of drawers on either side. All you have to do is open that middle door and feel around toward the back.” She moved her hands in the air as if she was doing it. “There are two secret compartments in that piece, one on both sides. You’ll find a hole on either side; you only have to push a finger into them, and the hidden drawers will pop out.”
My whole body thrummed with excitement. I was ready to see if something was hidden in those secret drawers.
“Thanks, Brenda. That’s very interesting. I’ll have to go home and check them out.”
Brenda smiled again and said goodbye before walking over to a group of women who had just entered the store. Luckily, I didn’t have to go searching for Georgia. She walked up with a sad expression on her face.
“I couldn’t find anything I wanted to buy today.”
“Are you ready for me to take you home?” I asked.
She nodded. “Please. Martin’s probably ready for a walk now.”
That was perfectly fine with me. We went out to my car, and I was thankful there weren’t any police officers around when I pulled out onto the road. My foot hit the accelerator a little harder than necessary, anticipation surging through my veins like adrenaline.
