Three weeks earlier, the Mercer family gathered in an office after Walter Mercer’s funeral. Andrew expected the reading of the will to be uncomfortable. He did not expect it to feel like a contest. Caroline received Walter’s townhouse and several pieces of jewelry. Michael received an investment account and two watches. Their parents received money set aside for travel and medical costs.
Then the attorney looked at Andrew. “Your grandfather left you the lake cabin and the land around it.” Michael gave a short laugh, saying, “The fishing shack?” Caroline glanced at Andrew, then quickly looked away. The cabin was old, remote, and badly neglected. Everyone knew it needed repairs. Andrew said nothing, but the decision stung. He had spent more time with Walter than anyone else.
Before Andrew left, the attorney handed him a sealed envelope. “He told me to give you this privately.” Inside were a brass key and a folded note in Walter’s handwriting. It contained one sentence: “Do not judge what I left you until you have seen the whole cabin.” Andrew read it twice. The words made no sense. He turned the heavy key over in his hand.