“I thought you’d died,” he said.

“I thought the same about my daughter,” Miriam replied.

His eyes filled.

He had received a message years ago saying Miriam wanted no further involvement and should never be contacted.

It had come from Richard’s office.

Thomas set the box on the table.

He had kept copies of ledger summaries, canceled invoices, and correspondence in case anyone ever challenged him about the missing records.

He had not used them to pursue the allegations because he feared he lacked enough evidence and because his sister had become seriously ill.