Chapter 18 - Anna’s Letter
Anna had been dead nine years when I found her old letter.
Not hidden by conspiracy.
Tucked inside a book.
Lily was cleaning closet during recovery.
She handed envelope.
DANIEL.
My wife’s handwriting.
I remembered.
She wrote it during first year after I left Specter.
I had never opened? Maybe she told me to open if I ever tried to go back. Let's make I forgot.
Inside:
If you are reading this because someone convinced you that only Colonel Voss can protect us, remember that Lily does not need a legend.
She needs a father who comes home.
I sat.
Lily read over shoulder after permission.
“Mom knew you.”
“Yes.”
Then:
You are very good at becoming useful in emergencies.
You are less good at letting other people be useful.
Lily laughed through tears.
“She knew you.”
“Yes.”
Then:
If danger comes, do what you must.
But do not confuse being needed with being loved.
That sentence destroyed me.
Because after attack, Specter call had made me feel useful again.
Power.
Contacts.
Authority.
I had told myself it was all for Lily.
Some was.
Some was old identity waking.
Anna saw twenty years earlier.
Lily leaned.
“I loved you before phone call.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Then:
“Good.”
I folded letter.
No mystical clue.
Just wife.
Then I called Reyes.
“Anna says retire again.”
“You are retired.”
“Good.”
“Burn coin?”
I looked.
“No.”
“Sentimental.”
May you like
“Yes.”
He laughed.
