Because Lucas hadn’t asked about the backup copies, and because Miriam had spent years believing Thomas left the state.

The memory surfaced only after I mentioned Harbor Light.

We found a professional licensing record and contacted him through the listed business address.

Priya made the call.

Thomas agreed to meet her after confirming she was representing me.

Thomas was now sixty-two, with gray hair and the tired posture of someone who had spent decades staring at spreadsheets.

He brought a battered cardboard file box to Priya’s office.

Before he opened it, he looked at my mother.