When Vernon proposed to Dolores, he vowed they would remain together for the rest of their lives—even promising that they’d leave this world hand in hand, bound for their eternal home.
But life had other plans. One day, out of the blue, Vernon suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving Dolores behind to navigate the world alone.
Vernon had been a respected antiquarian in their town, running a small but successful antique shop. Some of his most prized pieces were stored at home, something the neighbors were well aware of. Their curiosity and gossip soon invited trouble, leading to a string of attempted break-ins at both the shop and their house.
One evening, as Dolores returned home from the store, she spotted her 31-year-old neighbor, Bob, lurking by her front gate and peering into her home. The moment he noticed her approaching, he abruptly turned and walked away, pretending not to see her.
