Homeless Mom Won a Millionaire’s Storage Unit – Her Life Changed in One Night

The Vanished Assistant

As they continued their exploration, a narrative began to emerge. Catherine Hayes had been Richard O’Keeffe’s personal assistant, and possibly more.

She had disappeared in 1984 and had been declared legally dead seven years later. But the most intriguing item was a journal entry torn from a diary.

“If anything happens to me, the proof is secured. Box 891 contains everything needed to expose the truth.”

“Richard trusted me with his legacy, not Vincent. V has always resented this and will do anything to claim what he believes is his.”

“I’ve arranged a fail-safe. This unit is paid for 10 years in advance under a pseudonym. If I can’t retrieve these items myself, I pray someone worthy finds them.”

It was signed simply “CH” and dated the 17th of August, 1984.

“Malik, I think we’ve stumbled onto something serious. Like a mystery in your detective books.”

“Maybe, but real mysteries can be dangerous.”

She carefully replaced the items in the trunk. “Tomorrow we need to do some research.”

The Investigation

The Central Library of Los Angeles stood like a temple of knowledge. For Jada and Malik, it served as both sanctuary and resource.

“Remember, we’re looking for information on Richard O’Keeffe, Catherine Hayes, and anything about an art collection or estate dispute,” Jada instructed.

An hour of searching yielded results. Richard O’Keeffe had been a prominent art dealer from the 1960s until his death in 1983.

His collection, particularly his Impressionist paintings, had been valued in the millions. After his death, the estate had passed to his business partner and nephew, Vincent O’Keeffe.

“Mom, look at this,” Malik said. He’d found a photo showing Richard O’Keeffe with the woman from the locket: Catherine Hayes.

“She’s pretty,” Malik observed. “And young,” Jada added.

“She’d have been in her late 20s here, and he looks about 60.”

Further searching revealed that Catherine Hayes had vanished without a trace in September 1984, almost exactly a year after Richard’s death.

Vincent O’Keeffe was quoted saying she had been distraught and that he feared she may have taken her own life.

The Journalist

One article hinted at something more complex. It was written by investigative journalist Lenora Hall for the defunct LA Examiner.

It raised questions about the timing of the disappearance, just days before a scheduled audit of the O’Keeffe Gallery’s financial records.

The article suggested that Catherine had discovered discrepancies in the gallery’s accounts after Richard’s death.

“Can we find this Lenora Hall person?” Malik asked.

Jada performed a new search. “Looks like she’s still around. She writes a blog about Los Angeles history and politics.”

As they gathered their research, Jada noticed Malik’s breathing. The slight wheeze had returned.

“Your inhaler?” she asked. Malik took two puffs from the blue rescue inhaler.

“I’m okay,” he said after a moment. “Let’s get some lunch,” she said.

They couldn’t afford to eat out, but she’d packed sandwiches. A picnic in the courtyard would give Malik fresh air.

Hidden Evidence

“We should contact Miss Hall,” Malik said. “It’s not that simple, baby. We can’t just call up a journalist and tell her we found someone’s private belongings in a storage unit.”

“Why not? Isn’t that what journalists do? Investigate things?” “You might be right. Let me think about how to approach her.”

That afternoon, they returned to the storage unit. Malik made an exciting discovery: a hidden compartment in the bottom of a dresser drawer.

Inside was an envelope containing vintage photographs. One showed Catherine standing in front of a magnificent painting, her arm linked with Richard’s.

On the back was written: “Richard and I with the Monet, 1982. The happiest of birthdays.”

“Mom, do you think Mr. O’Keeffe and Miss Hayes were in love?” Malik asked.

“It seems possible. He was much older, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have cared for each other deeply.”

That night, Jada composed an email to Lenora Hall. She kept it simple, mentioning she had found items belonging to Catherine Hayes.

The reply came just 20 minutes later. “Intrigued. Coffee tomorrow, 10:00 a.m. at Figaro’s in Vermont. I’ll be wearing a red scarf. Lenora.”

A Dangerous Pursuit

The next morning, Jada met Lenora Hall. Jada explained about the storage unit auction and the trunk’s contents.

When Jada mentioned the safe deposit box key, the journalist let out a low whistle. “Box 891,” Lenora murmured. “Did you try to access it?”

“I don’t know which bank it belongs to. And even if I did, I wouldn’t have the authority.”

“Smart. Very smart.” Lenora tapped her coffee cup. “The tag might indicate First National. They were Richard’s bank of choice.”

Lenora studied Jada. “Why are you telling me this? What do you want?”

“I want the truth. These belongings—they tell a story that someone tried to bury.”

Jada was direct about her situation. “I need money. My son and I live in our van. He has asthma. So yes, if there’s a reward, I would gratefully accept compensation.”

“But that’s not why I contacted you. I contacted you because your article was the only one that questioned the official story.”

The Power of the O’Keeffe Estate

“I’ve been chasing the O’Keeffe story for decades,” Lenora said. “Vincent O’Keeffe is now in his 70s. I’ve always believed he stole from his uncle.”

“You think Vincent was involved in her disappearance?” “I think Catherine Hayes discovered proof of Vincent’s embezzlement. I think she was preparing to expose him.”

Lenora closed her notebook. “The O’Keeffes are powerful. If Vincent discovers what you found, he won’t hesitate to come after it. And you.”

A chill ran down Jada’s spine. “Are you prepared for what that might mean for you and your son?”

Jada hesitated. “I need to think,” she said finally.

“Of course. My personal cell is on the back. Call me when you decide. In the meantime, be careful.”

As Jada drove back, she noticed a small white sedan following her. She made random turns, finally pulling into a shopping center to lose the tail.

“It could be nothing,” she told herself, but she didn’t believe it.