Nina had processed a rush order for a personalized glass-and-gift set delivered to the reception hotel.

The original order listed two engraved champagne flutes.

A later message requested that one flute be separately packaged and placed with a small wooden case.

The request had come from an email account linked to Octavio’s business.

“What was in the case?” I asked Chen when she explained this.

“We’re still trying to establish that.

Nina never handled the contents.”

The emails did show that Octavio had coordinated part of the service rather than merely helping his sister celebrate.