"I don't sit down until I know what this is about."
Evelyn studied him.
"You've changed."
Daniel frowned.
"Have we met?"
"Not like this."
"What does that mean?"
"You'll understand."
Daniel pulled out the chair.
He sat across from her.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
The noise of the hotel continued around them.
Piano music played softly near the bar.
A waiter carried champagne toward a private dining room.
Guests laughed.
Suitcases rolled across the marble floor.
But at the table, everything felt strangely quiet.
Daniel leaned forward.
"You said this was urgent."
"It is."
"You said it concerned my father."
Evelyn nodded.
"It does."
Daniel's expression changed.
"My father died eight years ago."
"I know."
"Then why are we discussing him?"
"Because he left something unfinished."
Daniel stared at her.
"My father finished everything he needed to finish."
Evelyn shook her head.
"No."
"He was a decorated officer."
"I know."
"He served his country."
"I know."
"He raised me."
"I know."
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"Then what exactly do you think he left unfinished?"
Evelyn looked at him.
"The truth."
Daniel leaned back.
For the first time, his confidence disappeared.
"What truth?"
Evelyn reached into her handbag.
Daniel watched carefully.
She removed a small envelope.
She placed it on the table.
Daniel didn't touch it.
"What is that?"
"Something your father wrote."
Daniel stared at the envelope.
"My father didn't write letters."
"He wrote this one."
"To whom?"
"To you."
Daniel looked at her.
"Why would you have it?"
"Because he gave it to me."
"When?"
"Three days before he died."
Daniel's face became tense.
"You knew my father?"
"Very well."
"How?"
Evelyn didn't answer.
Instead, she looked toward the hotel entrance.
Daniel followed her gaze.
No one unusual stood there.
He turned back.
"Who are you?"
Evelyn smiled.
"My name is Evelyn Carter."
"I heard that."
"Then you're already halfway to the answer."
Daniel looked irritated.
"I don't have time for games."
"Neither do I."
She pushed the envelope toward him.
"Open it."
Daniel hesitated.
Then he picked it up.
The envelope was old.
The paper had yellowed.
His name was written across the front.
Daniel Reed.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
His father's.
Daniel's fingers trembled.
He opened the envelope.
Inside was one sheet of paper.
He unfolded it.
There were only a few lines.
Daniel read them.
Then read them again.
His face changed.
"What is this?"
Evelyn didn't answer.
Daniel looked at her.
"He never told me."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because he was afraid."
"My father wasn't afraid of anything."
Evelyn smiled sadly.
"Everyone is afraid of something."
Daniel looked back at the letter.
"What does this mean?"
"It means your father knew someone would eventually come looking for you."
"Who?"
Evelyn looked directly into his eyes.
"Me."
Daniel stood.