Chapter 54
The reply arrived four days later, carried by a private courier who delivered it directly into Chase's hands with strict instructions that it reach him alone.
Chase waited until he was fully alone in his room before breaking the seal, Sonam's familiar, careful handwriting filling the page in tight, deliberate lines.
I have read your reports carefully, the letter began. I understand your concern, and I share it. I am not yet prepared to reveal our full suspicions, not until we have proper confirmation beyond a birthmark and circumstantial pattern, however compelling that pattern has become. False hope has cost this family too much before, and I will not repeat that mistake by acting rashly on insufficient evidence, however strongly my instincts urge otherwise.
Chase read on,
