“Grown-ups really don’t like guessing.”
“We like guessing,” Sofia said. “Lawyers just prefer proving.”
Ruby decided she liked Sofia.
Claire continued sorting papers while they talked.
Then her hand stopped.
There was something else in the folder.
A sealed envelope.
Unlike the others, this one was not addressed to Eleanor.
Across the front, in faded blue ink, were three words.
For Nathaniel Graves.
Everyone stared at it.
Claire touched the envelope.
“It was never mailed.”
Ruby whispered, “Is it from Grandma?”
Claire recognized the handwriting.
“Yes.”
The envelope remained sealed.
Mr. Harris stood.
“That belongs to Mr. Graves.”
Claire looked at him.
“After twelve years?”
“Especially after twelve years.”
The next morning, Claire called Nathaniel.
This time they did not meet at Graves Tower.
Claire chose Sofia’s office.
Neutral ground.
Nathaniel arrived alone.
He looked genuinely surprised when Claire handed him the letter.
“My mother wrote this.”
“I can see that.”
