The large room was quiet, the only sound a soft susurration from the open window as an evening breeze stirred the sheer curtains. In the distance, an owl hooted.Finally, in a quiet voice Matt asked, “How certain are you of all this? Do you know for sure they weren’t able to rendezvous?”Nate sighed, then nodded. “It’s a lot of deduction. I could be wrong about any of it. But,” he paused, then added sadly, “I don’t think I am.”Matt nodded and looked away.The others stared at the floor or contemplated spots in the distance. The exception, Nate realized after a few seconds, was Patricia Gale. She was looking up at Nate, a stricken expression across her face. She opened her mouth to speak, then froze, her lower lip trembling slightly. “I…” she managed in a weak voice. “I…”It seemed to rouse the others. As they turned to look at her, she blurted, “I am so sorry.”Nate started to respond, but before he could speak, she gasped, “My brother killed your father.
