Near the reinforced inner layer, there was another.
Older.
Fainter.
Different.
Someone had heated that area separately.
Ellis's expression changed slightly.
Eli continued.
“Look at that seam.”
The safe had factory welds along the interior layers.
Broad.
Regular.
Consistent.
But near the hidden chamber, another weld line appeared beneath corrosion.
Narrower.
Rougher.
Added later.
Ellis took off his cap.
“That wasn't done at the factory.”
Eli shook his head.
“No.”
“What are you thinking?”
Eli stared at the safe.
“Somebody tried getting into it.”
“Yes.”
“Then somebody sealed something afterward.”
Ellis considered that.
The auctioneer called, “Five dollars. Anybody?”
Nobody answered.
“Five dollars for eight hundred pounds of steel.”
A farmer near Calvin laughed.
“Charge five to haul it away.”
Eli stood.
His heart beat faster.
He had no idea what was inside.