Single mother gambled her final $900 on a deserted house. The discovery inside transforms her life forever…

The tree showed no obvious signs of hiding anything. But when Maya circled it completely, she noticed a small carving on the opposite side from the well, the initials JM and a small arrow pointing down. She buried something here, Maya said, excitement building.

They hurried to the trailer to retrieve a shovel. Digging was hard in the compacted soil around the tree’s roots, but about two feet down, Maya’s shovel struck something solid. Carefully, they uncovered a waterproof container, sealed tight against the elements.

Inside, protected by layers of plastic, was a waterproof case containing a videocassette labeled insurance, some documents, and a letter dated May 17, 1989, the day after her last journal entry, and likely the day before she disappeared. The letter read, To whoever finds this, if you’re reading this, I fear the worst has happened. Richard Patton has made it clear he will stop at nothing to acquire my research on Carther’s syndrome.

The enclosed video contains my full testimony and evidence of his threats. I’ve also included coordinates to a location in the state forest where I’ve hidden complete duplicates of all my research findings. Patton must never find this material.

If I disappear, do not trust the local authorities. Richard has influence everywhere. Take this evidence to the federal level.

Josephine Mercer. The documents included a hand-drawn map with coordinates to a location deep in the state forest, about 30 miles away, and most damning of all, a series of photographs showing Richard Patton on the property, apparently taken secretly from inside the house. In one image, he appeared to be in a heated argument with Josephine on her front porch.

We need to find a VCR for that tape, Maya said, and we need to check these coordinates. Before they could leave, however, they heard a vehicle coming up the driveway, the sheriff’s car, but it wasn’t a routine visit. The sheriff looked grim.

Ms. Coleman, I need to inform you that the county judge has issued an emergency injunction prohibiting you from occupying this property pending resolution of ownership disputes. What? That’s ridiculous? I purchased this property legally. I’m just delivering the order, ma’am.

You have 24 hours to vacate. After that, you’ll be considered trespassing. Maya recognized what was happening.

Who requested this injunction? The sheriff avoided her eyes. That information isn’t included in my instructions. It was Radcliffe Pharmaceuticals, wasn’t it, or someone connected to them? I’m just doing my job, Ms. Coleman.

After the sheriff left, Iris looked troubled. The judge who would have issued that order, Judge Harmon, he’s been in Richard Patton’s pocket for decades. Patton funded his first campaign back in the 80s.

Maya carefully secured their discoveries in Sam’s truck before leaving the property. They were running out of time and options, but now they had something concrete, evidence connecting Richard Patton directly to Josephine and coordinates to what might be the final piece of the puzzle. That evening, a thunderstorm rolled in, bringing fierce lightning and heavy rain.

As they sheltered in Sam’s house, Ethan suddenly became agitated. Mom, I keep seeing a woman by the window. She’s trying to show me something.

What woman, honey? Maya asked, concerned. The woman from the photographs, the one who lived in our house before. I saw her last night too, but I thought I was dreaming.

Maya and Sam exchanged glances. Could Ethan be seeing Josephine’s spirit or was his imagination working overtime with all the stress? What is she trying to show you? Maya asked gently. Something about the apple trees.

She keeps pointing to the orchard. Despite the storm, Maya and Sam decided to investigate. With raincoats and flashlights, they made their way to the abandoned orchard.

The wind whipped around them as lightning illuminated the gnarled old apple trees. There, Ethan said suddenly, pointing to the largest tree in the center of the orchard. That’s where she was pointing.

The tree was ancient, its trunk thick and twisted. At its base, partially visible in the disturbed soil, was another container, similar to the one they’d found by the oak tree. Inside was a small device Maya didn’t recognize at first…