The new maid heard weeping beneath the mansion. Opening the heavy basement door, she found the missing wife, starved and chained. As gasps filled the dark room, the wife grabbed her hand, whispering, “Run before he hears you, or he’ll make you my replacement.” Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stairs…

onto the estate grounds.

I crept through the dripping rose bushes toward the windows of Ricardo’s private study. The lights were on. He was sitting at his desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand, looking utterly defeated.

I pulled the folded note from my pocket. It was protected by a small plastic sleeve I had found. I crept up to the window, tapped lightly continue reading …