Trevor could have a relationship with both of us without becoming a witness for either side.
Evelyn could tell Arthur the truth without becoming my messenger.
And the Mercer contract would be judged by someone whose last name did not matter.
That was enough.
I opened the next folder.
Checked the date.
One figure did not match the page behind it.
I corrected it in pencil.
Exactly the kind of thing I had done before the White House reception.
Exactly the kind of thing I would do tomorrow.
The brass nameplate remained where I had set it.
Blue mug beside it.
The office lamp still off.
I reached across the desk and turned it on.
Light spread over the papers.
Nothing dramatic happened.
No general entered.
No father called.