Chapter 71: Uncharted Waters

The moonlight came in through the windows of Taylor’s apartment as if it painted the room silver. Taylor sat at her desk with the small envelope Samantha had given her the day before lying in front of her. She held it in her hands, her fingers quivering as she was about to open it. Alex sat beside her on the sofa, and he put a comforting arm around her shoulder as they both waited for the next step to be taken in the course of their investigation. “Let’s go,” Alex whispered, and there was no mistaking the affection in his gaze. Taylor looked at him, and her affection for him grew even more. “I am. But I have to admit, I’m nervous. It could be the key to it all.” Alex extended his hand and grabbed hers, and she was relieved by the comforting feeling that went through her. “No matter what we come across, we’ll confront it with the company. Just bear that in mind.” Taylor just smiled and nodded, taking a deep breath as she unfolded the letter and looked at it, tears in her eyes. There was a note and a tiny key, which had an old-world look. The letter was written in her mother’s neatest handwriting. “Here goes,” Taylor said, unfolding the letter. Alex moved closer to his friend, and his interest was awakened. Taylor began to read aloud:Taylor began to read aloud: Dear Samantha, If you are lucky enough to be reading this, then it is now time for the truth to be told. The key enclosed with this letter opens a safe deposit box that contains information about the case I was investigating. The witness that we have been seeking to shield has very important information that can expose all or most of these facts. The safe deposit box is at the old bank on Pine Street in the city. The box number is 124. As for me, I believe that you are able to gather this information and apply it properly. As you read, understand that the truth is not merely a process of telling the unknown; it is also a means of avenging those who cannot defend themselves. Please do not disclose this information to anybody, top secrecy. When you read this, I do hope that you will be able to appreciate the importance of this task and your part in it. To all of you, I want to say, ‘Thank you for everything you’ve done.’ With sincere gratitude, Emily Taylor shed tears as she read to the end of the passage that she was given to read. ‘I did not know my mom was working on something this important.’ This letter… It was like my mom was talking to us directly. Alex took her hand and held it affectionately. “This is big, Taylor. We must move and get to that safe deposit box.” Taylor only nodded, her determination growing with each passing second. “Let’s go.” They scurried out of the apartment towards the open door and the fresh night air. The old bank was situated on Pine Street and experienced less traffic than the new one; the building had an old and somewhat worn appearance. When they were close to the bank, Taylor felt his adrenaline rushing through his veins. The building appeared to be even more dilapidated than she had implicitly recalled, and a false air of enigma hung over the structure. “I’m pretty sure this is the place,” said Alex as they were standing in front of the two large wooden doors. Taylor nodded. “The letter said the old bank. This must be it.” They went inside the bank, and it was very dark, and the smell of old papers and wooden furniture was felt. A receptionist who sat behind the front desk looked up, and her expression was one of interest. “Can I help you?” she asked. Taylor came out and, at least, attempted to sound brave. “We are here to get to a safety deposit box to get something from box number 124.” The receptionist looked at her suspiciously, then her eyes relaxed, and she took a key from a drawer. “First, some paperwork is necessary, though, at least identification; do you have any?” Taylor and Alex handed their IDs, and the receptionist, after some forms were filled out, gave them a set of keys. “Please follow me.” They went on her heels to a long, straight hallway that had compartments of safe-deposit-like boxes. Everyone held his or her breath as they got to box number 124. Taylor fumbled nervously with the key, and when she got it into the lock and twisted it, it made a clicking sound. A very gentle sound, like that of a key turning in a lock, and the lid of the box sprang back to reveal a tiny crinkling folder, battered and worn. Taylor took great care to pull it out and then open it. And inside, she could only discover several documents and photographs, as well as a tiny journal. She breathed in and started to rummage through the things she found in the box. The photographs were of various individuals, known and unknown. There was one photograph that Taylor particularly liked—it was of a girl with bright blue eyes and a rather self-satisfied smile. The name written on the back of the photograph was “Emily Carter.” “This must be the witness,” Alex said, looking over Taylor’s shoulder. “And these documents... seem to be connected to the case.” Taylor, who was deep in thought, nodded her head. “Probably my mom was close to discovering something significant, Myra; this journal may hold the solution to our quest.” That is why, when Taylor was turning the pages of the journal, she saw notes and observations regarding the case. There were references to corruption, the existence of some secret motives, and the involvement of the elusive witness. One entry stood out: March 12th The investigation has reached a critical mass. Emily Carter, the witness, has to testify to the truth. She could bring down the whole house of cards with her testimony. It is imperative that she be safe and that we find a means by which she can be secured. The enemy is advancing, and it is high time that something efficient is done. I really wish that the truth would be told before things get worse. Taylor looks at the entry, astonished. "This, I believe. My mom was about to spill something big. ” Alex gazed at her with a combination of respect and anxiety on his face. “This is fantastic, Taylor, but it is also risky. We have to be more cautious here.” Taylor only nodded her head, and there was no doubt in her mind. “I know that. But we have to go on. We cannot quit now. We have to continue to the end.” And as soon as they left the bank, Taylor felt as if she had just regained her goal in life. The documents and photographs had given them a new perspective on her mother’s work, and the twist of the witness’s implication for the case had been quite a surprise. “I appreciate your presence, Alex,” Taylor said with a lot of emotion. “I don’t think I could’ve done this with anyone else.” Alex smiled, and he had a look of love in his eyes. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said quietly. “We’re in this together, and I’m here for you.” They strolled arm in arm in the deserted streets; they had only one goal in common. There was still much that lay ahead,, but Taylor knew that he had never felt so sure of himself. With Alex next to her and with the new information gained, she felt that they were getting closer to the truth about her mother’s past. On their way back to Taylor’s apartment, when stars were shining in the distance, Taylor realized that the meandering of their investigation only united them. The couple grew closer as they endured the struggles, and Taylor understood that no matter what, they would endure it as a team. The threads of past secrets were starting to unwind, and Taylor and Alex were willing to sail through the unknown waters of their journey together as they were tied together by the strong bond of love and desire to find out the truth.