“You’re a thief. Return what you stole if you have any conscience left.”

No name. No explanation. Just accusation.

I showed it to Neil. He was as shocked as I was—but pointed out the return address scrawled on the back.

“We need to find out who sent this,” he said.

I hesitated. My mother was the most honest person I’d ever known. But the doubt crept in.

“Fine,” I said. “But I’m doing this to clear her name.”

As we left, clouds gathered above us. I didn’t know what we’d find, but I was ready.

Whatever the truth was, I would defend my mother. No matter what it cost.