Dr. Vale gripped the chair.
“Are you certain?”
“A small brass pin. A lantern with a blue center.”
Dr. Vale whispered, “That is not possible.”
“What does it mean?” I asked.
“It was the internal marker for the original Lantern Map team. Only twelve were made.”
General Ellison ordered security to discreetly pull ceremony and reception footage.
My father looked at me.
“This is why I wanted the envelope.”
“No,” I said. “You wanted control. There’s a difference.”
He bowed his head.
Then the door opened.
Valerie entered without waiting, with Brianna behind her.
“What is going on?” Valerie demanded. “People are asking why Richard disappeared. Brianna is upset. This has already been embarrassing enough.”
Dr. Vale’s expression cooled.
“This is a private matter concerning Natalie’s mother.”
Valerie’s mouth tightened.
“Laura again.”
The room went silent.
My father looked at her sharply.
Valerie continued, unable to stop.
“I’ve lived in that woman’s shadow since I married you. Her picture, her recipes, her boxes in the attic. Her perfect memory making everything I did look wrong.”
Brianna whispered, “Mom.”
My father’s voice was low.
“You knew today was Natalie’s graduation.”
“And we came, didn’t we?”
“You came with Natalie’s ticket in Brianna’s hand.”
Valerie looked away.
Then Brianna stepped forward, holding the gold ticket carefully.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
Valerie turned. “Brianna, you don’t have to—”
“Yes, I do.”
