Inside her late grandfather’s mattress, Brooke uncovers a stash that shatters everything she thought she knew about her parents’ death. But this hidden secret doesn’t just affect her; it threatens to destroy the entire town.

Brooke stood in the doorway of her grandfather’s bedroom, her nose prickling as memories flooded her mind. Her breath came in unevenly as she remembered all the times she had visited him, almost hearing Granddad Charles’s hearty laugh echoing through the halls.

“I can’t believe he’s truly gone,” she whispered, running her hand along the old oak dresser.

The room smelled of old books and the faint scent of Granddad’s favorite pipe tobacco and his signature Aqua Velva aftershave.

Months later, a trial was set, becoming a media circus. Each day, the courthouse steps were crowded with reporters and protesters.

Inside a cold courtroom, Brooke sat stoically as Mr. Johnson finally faced justice.

The prosecution presented a damning case, bolstered by the evidence her granddad had gathered. Brooke testified about the emotional and financial strains her small family suffered after her parents’ death, vividly describing the pain and loss they endured.