Excerpt from The Secret Trust

"Mr. Charles, it is my sad duty to tell you that your friend and our mutual client, Winifred Stowe Henderson, died about three hours ago. Massive heart attack. Death was instantaneous."

Henley's words made no sense. Not Winnie, she was indestructible. Why, she was younger than my mother. I had telephoned her just two months ago and she was as chipper as ever, the most vital person I've ever met.

"Mr. Charles. Are you still there?"

"Yes - Yes, Mr. Henley. It's just the shock, I suppose. She's never been sick more than a day or so. I never suspected."

Henley, to his credit, sensed that I regretted not having visited her at least one more time. "I understand. Her physician was as surprised as we are. Apparently this type of heart seizure is totally unpredictable. However, even though this is very short notice, I must advise you that she left specific instructions with our firm to be followed to the letter in the event of her death. In short, all of her affairs are to be placed under your control. Funeral arrangements, probate, disposition of personal effects, everything. You are named as sole executor under her will, as well as the principal beneficiary. This was not unexpected. She had informed us many times of your close relationship.

"But that isn't the reason I called you so promptly," Henley continued. "Mrs. Henderson left a most unusual letter in my possession. It is sealed and addressed to you in her handwriting. We know her script well, having handled most of her legal work here for many years, as you are aware. Furthermore, the following words appear on the face of the envelope, 'Mr. Henley, please keep in your possession and personally deliver to Lee Charles within twenty-four hours of my death.' I've never seen an instruction like this in thirty-five years of practice."

I was equally surprised, I responded, not yet quite able to grasp the significance of the short time fuse. Personal letters to be opened after the death of the writer are common but insistence on immediate delivery is extraordinary. We agreed that I would catch the next flight to Washington, spend the night at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel adjacent to the offices of Henley's firm and meet him there at 9:00 a.m. the following morning. . .

This letter began as had dozens of others I'd received from her over the years. But this one had to be something momentous - she was not the type to exaggerate or indulge in whimsical word games. No, she was going to tell me something so important that my life would never be the same again.

My dear Lee,

When you read this, I shall be no more. . . Now, dear boy, you must wonder why the "old girl", who during her lifetime was so outspoken and inquisitive, became suddenly mysterious and secretive at the moment of truth. You shall read the beginning of the puzzle in short order, but first I must have your solemn oath that you will attempt to solve it during your lifetime. . .A feeling in my bones tells me that you are embarking on a momentous journey - one which may have fantastic ramifications in the end. As you follow the twists and turns of this never-traveled road, please know that somehow I shall be at your side.

Your devoted friend,
Winnie