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Dezi nodded. “That’s why when I finally graduated from culinary school, I returned to Eagle Rock. This place is home. My girl squad is my family now.”
“Damn right,” Molly said. “We look out for each other.”
Dezi smiled at her friend and then frowned down at her uncle’s letter. “I would like to think my uncle’s last letter to me was profound and meaningful, but I just don’t understand it.” She pulled it out of the envelope and unfolded it beside her plate.
“Maybe we can help,” Molly said.
“If you don’t mind reading it out loud…” Grimm suggested.
“I don’t mind at all. It makes no sense to me. Maybe someone else can figure it out. Or he was in the middle of having a stroke and nothing made sense. I’ll let you be the judge.”
She stared at the paper and shook her head before reading the words aloud.
“My Dearest Dezi,
You have always been my favorite niece. Then again, you are my only niece and last living relative. As such, you should be aware of what is to come. I fear my time draws to an end. I cannot keep secret that which should never have been a secret but is, despite my efforts to reveal the truth. Sadly, I’ve had to hide the truth to keep it safe. Now, I know too much, and that knowledge is haunting me, or I will be haunting it all too soon.
All the years I spent looking for treasure, it was so close I could have touched it a dozen times. I’ve learned much from the journey and had hoped to share what I’ve learned before my death. Alas, to share face-to-face would transfer the danger, along with the burden of knowledge.
Instead, I impart to you these truths gained from my life experiences.
Never keep your family at arm’s length. Unless it’s the left arm, and it’s tattooed. Then keep your family’s arm in mind.
Sometimes, wheels can be faster than wings, and both can carry many souls to their destination. It’s all about where you begin your journey. And if you’re into taking chances, bet a C-note on the wheels.
Many have slipped thread through a needle’s eye. Fewer have passed through a needle’s eye, body and soul. Those who have are rewarded with enlightenment at the end of a sunny day.
Art is in the eye of the beholder yesterday and today. In some cases, the medium hasn’t changed and bears witness to what was and what will be if you’re paying attention.
When confronted by a wall, look for another way in. Not all walls have doors. Not all walls need to be destroyed to allow you inside. Once inside, take it to a different level.
The key to unlocking a door is finding the door the key unlocks. It takes a good understanding of those who came before.
Beware the false goal. Just when you get what you think you wanted, you realize it might not be the treasure you needed. It might not be a treasure but a trick that could trap you with a life of disappointment and an early, miserable death.
Tread lightly or fall victim. Better yet, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to a better way.
Soon, you will find the tracks in the dust, leading to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Always watch your back. The leprechauns remain near yet elusive. They will steal your treasure and disappear into the darkness before you know who they are and what they’ve done.
Whatever path you choose to undertake, I wish you good health, happiness and love, for life is hard and too short to spend it alone.
Dezi looked up,her brow furrowed. “Do you see what I mean?” She shook her head. “It’s the strangest letter I’ve ever gotten from him. And I received it certified receipt today. My uncle was found dead in his rental house last night. I got the call this morning and received the letter when the postman delivered it shortly after.”
“Do you mind if I look at it?” Grimm asked.
“Not at all.” Dezi handed him the page, her fingers brushing his in the process. A thrill of excitement raced up her arm, through her chest, ultimately pooling low in her belly. She snatched her hand back and tucked it under her napkin in her lap.
Molly frowned. “You’re right, Dezi. Your uncle was strange.”
“Very strange,” Parker said. “None of that made much sense.”
“Exactly,” Dezi said. “I’m supposed to go tomorrow to view my uncle’s remains and officially identify the body.” She winced. “It sounds so impersonal. He was a man with hopes, dreams, desires and a life.” She snorted softly. “Now, he’s a body to be identified, and all I have left of him is this letter.” She looked toward Grimm.
He'd gone over and over the letter several times, his frown deepening each time. Finally, it hit him.
Grimm captured Dezi’s gaze. “This isn’t just a letter.”
