Chapter 15 - The Letter Nobody Sent

The envelope was postmarked a month before Daniel died.

Inside was a letter addressed to me at a duty station I'd occupied briefly.

It never reached me.

Granddad had written in a cramped hand: Someone has been asking about your assignments, Emily.

The questions aren't coming from your friends.

Victor says it's harmless business.

I don't believe him.

I read it twice, then handed it to Reyes.

The date mattered.

It preceded the communications failure and my father's supposedly innocent consulting payment.

"Who intercepted it?" she asked.

My mother sank into a chair.

"I did."

Ryan turned toward her.

"Why would you do that?"

She pressed her palms together.

"Victor said Emily's work could put us in danger.

He said the fewer connections anyone could trace, the better."

Her explanation had the unmistakable sound of something rehearsed until it became comfort.

"Did you read it?" I asked.

She nodded.

"You knew Granddad was worried someone was asking about me?"

"I thought he was overreacting."

My watch ticked against my wrist.

For years I'd told myself Granddad's final silence came from illness and distance.

Now a different explanation stood between us.

He had tried to warn me.

And my parents had made sure the warning stayed inside their house.

Reyes called for the letter to be preserved and documented.

Ryan asked to sit with me as I gave another statement.

I told him that was allowed.

Outside, news crews gathered after learning that a contractor executive was under investigation.

Dad's attorney urged him not to speak publicly.

He ignored the advice.

He stood at the edge of the driveway and declared that he had always supported both his children equally.

From behind the curtain, I watched him deliver the lie without hesitation.

Then he said my name.

"Emily has had difficulties for many years.

We pray she'll find peace."

Ryan opened the front door.

"Stop using her name," he said loudly enough for the cameras to hear.

Our father turned.

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