Search the Bed

I move to the bed, my eyes scanning every inch, looking for anything out of place, a crumpled note, a loose thread, anything that could hold a clue. The bed is made tightly, with military creases. You could bounce a quarter off of it. I don't know if it was Lily who made it, or maybe one of the sheriffs afterwards.

Feeling defeated, I reach for the mattress, pulling it away from the wall, searching for a hidden compartment, a false bottom. Nothing. With nothing to lose, I flip the mattress over, searching for loose wiring, a gap in the springs, any sign of a secret hiding place.

Frustrated, I sit down on the foot of the bed. Just as I'm about to give up, I notice something odd about the mattress. A small lump beneath my ass catches my attention, and as I run my finger across it, I realize a seam of stitching runs across the fabric. Curiosity piqued, I open my switchblade with a press of its button and carefully slice through the threads.

My heart races as I part the fabric, revealing a small recess, and within it, a flash drive. A wave of euphoria washes over me as I realize this could be the breakthrough I've been seeking. I fish the drive from out of its hiding place and slide it into my pocket.