Thomas Thompson had been one of the most respected marine engineers in Florida.
He had designed yacht propulsion systems.
He had patented several navigation technologies.
He had worked with Adrian thirty years earlier.
But Thomas had died fourteen years ago.
Adrian's voice became quieter.
"You're Thomas's son?"
"Yes."
Adrian looked at Malik again.
He studied the young man's face.
There was something familiar around the eyes.
Something he hadn't noticed before.
"You never mentioned that."
"You never asked."
Adrian felt uncomfortable.
"Why are you here?"
Malik reached into his jacket.
He pulled out a small envelope.
"This was left for you."
Adrian didn't take it.
"By whom?"
"My father."
Adrian stared at the envelope.
"Thomas?"
Malik nodded.
"Before he died."
Adrian's face changed.
"Why would he leave something for me?"
"I don't know."
"Did you read it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"It wasn't mine."
Adrian looked at the envelope.
"How long have you had it?"
"Fourteen years."
Adrian stared.
"Why bring it now?"
"Because the instructions said to wait."
"Wait for what?"
"Until I was old enough to understand what he was talking about."
Adrian finally took the envelope.
His hands trembled slightly.
The name ADRIAN COLE was written across the front.
He recognized the handwriting immediately.
It was Thomas.
Adrian looked at Malik.
"Why didn't you call me?"
"I did."
"When?"
"Three months ago."
Adrian frowned.
"I don't remember."
"I left messages."
Rebecca looked at Adrian.
"Mr. Cole, I don't recall any messages."
Malik nodded.
"That's why I came myself."
Adrian looked down at the envelope.
Then he noticed something.
A small symbol had been drawn in the corner.
A circle.
Inside the circle were three letters.
T.T.C.
Adrian hadn't seen that symbol in years.
He remembered it.
Thomas used it on documents that contained sensitive information.
Adrian looked at Malik.
"Where did you get this?"
"My mother gave it to me."
"Does she know you're here?"
"Yes."
"Does she know what it says?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because she never opened it."
Adrian looked at Rebecca.
"Give us a minute."
Rebecca hesitated.
"Sir?"
"Please."
She walked away.
Adrian looked at Malik.
"What did your father say?"
"I don't know."
"Then why bring me the letter?"
"Because he told me to."
Adrian looked toward the yachts.
"Did he ever talk about me?"
"Yes."
"What did he say?"
Malik hesitated.
"He said you were his best friend."
Adrian closed his eyes.
For a moment, he was no longer standing on the Miami dock.
He was thirty-five again.
He and Thomas were young.
Poor.
Ambitious.
They had spent nights working in a small garage near the marina.
They had dreamed about building boats that could cross oceans.
Thomas had the engineering mind.
Adrian had the business mind.
Together, they created a company.
It became successful.
Then something happened.
Money entered the picture.
Adrian began wanting more.
Thomas wanted to slow down.
Adrian wanted expansion.
Thomas wanted control.
They fought.