Page 10

It’s the wrong answer.

A dangerous answer.

I look at Arthur. He’s already pulling out his phone, probably messaging Taylor and Will.

“How long have you been alone?”

“A little over a year.”

“You’ve been traveling alone for a year?”

She folds the letter quickly. “I can leave if you don’t believe me. I just wanted to see if you were the right Sean Campbell.”

“You’re not leaving.”

Her head snaps up.

I soften my voice. “Not tonight. You’re exhausted, and it’s getting dark. We’ll eat. We’ll talk. Tomorrow, if you still want to leave, we’ll figure out what happens next.”

She looks toward the road again.

“What are you afraid of?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

It’s a lie.

“Did someone follow you?”

“No.”

Another lie.

Arthur moves closer, stopping several feet from her. “Steaks are getting cold.”

Her eyes move to Arthur

“When did you last eat?” I ask.

“I had half a sandwich this morning.”

“Half?”

“I saved the rest.”

“For tomorrow?”

She nods.

Something violent unfurls inside me.

I don’t know whether this girl is my daughter. I don’t have proof. I have a first name, a letter, and a story that reaches inside my chest and wraps around a wound I have carried since I was nineteen.

But I believe her.

I believe every word.

“Come inside,” I say.