Dad’s Rоlех was the only thing he left me. Mom and her new husband sold it for my stepbrother’s «startup.» The pawn shop owner called: «Ma’am, you need to see what was hidden inside this watch…»

Guy said it was his to sell. But when I opened it up for inspection, he set the box on the counter and opened it. There was Dad’s watch, looking smaller than I remembered, more vulnerable.

Normally, I don’t question sellers too hard if the merchandise looks legitimate, Frank continued. But this watch, I need your dad, knew he’d never let this go. So I did some digging in our system.

And? Your father pawned this watch exactly once, 15 years ago, paid it back with interest within a month. Frank’s eyes met mine. The loan was for $3,000.

Records show it was right around the time you started at that fancy private high school. My throat tightened. I’d gotten into St. Mary’s Academy on academic scholarship, but there were still fees, uniforms, books, activities.

Dad had said he’d gotten overtime work. He’d never mentioned pawning his most precious possession. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right with this sale, Frank said.

But that’s not why I called you. He picked up the watch, turning it over. When I was examining it, checking authenticity, I noticed something.

He pressed something on the side, and the back popped open in a way I’d never seen before. This isn’t standard. Someone modified this watch to create a hidden compartment.

Inside was a thin piece of paper, folded impossibly small. I haven’t read it, Frank said. Figured if your dad hid it that carefully, it was meant for specific eyes.

With trembling fingers, I unfolded the paper. Dad’s handwriting, smaller than usual, but unmistakably his. Mia, if you’re reading this, something’s happened to the watch.

Check the safe deposit box at First National. Box 447. The key is in my toolbox, inside the level.

The watch is yours, but what’s in that box is your future. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Dad, you okay? Frank’s voice seemed far away.

I, I need to buy the watch back. How much? Frank shook his head. The guy who brought it in, tallish, maybe mid-twenties, kept talking about his app startup…