“When he answers, say only this.

Say, ‘Black River in November.’ Nothing else.

He will know from those four words that I am alive, and he will understand exactly what needs to be done, and he will begin doing it.

Then hang up, and get as far from this floor as you can.”

Elena repeated the number back to me, twice, until it was perfect.

And then she paused, and asked the question that told me she understood the full weight of what was coming.

“And Dr.