Harper leaned against the wall. “You knew her.”
“Yes. We are working
We met many years ago. The night before she disappeared, she gave me something. She made me promise to give it to you when the time was right.
“What is it?”
“Come to the restaurant before it opens tomorrow.”
At dawn, Harper entered The Silver Eclipse through the back door. The dining room was dark and quiet. Roland led her to a warehouse filled with crates. Behind them sat a metal crate.
He opened it with a small key. Inside lay a worn envelope, a photograph, and a passport. The photograph showed a young woman with soft eyes, her hand resting on her pregnant belly. On the back were words written in graceful script.
For my Harper. My greatest gift.
Harper touched the ink as if it were sacred. The passport bore a different name. Natalie Brooks.
Roland handed her an envelope. “It’s from her.”
Harper carefully opened it. Her mother’s handwriting flowed across the pages.
“My beloved daughter. If you’re reading this, it means you’re ready. I left to protect you. I was threatened. I made a decision that broke my heart. I built a new life under a different name. I’ve never stopped thinking about you. If you want to find me, come to a coffee shop in Savannah called The Driftwood Room. Every Sunday morning I sit by the window. I wait for you. I love you forever. Mom.
Harper’s breath hitched. “She’s alive,” she whispered.
Her phone vibrated. Detective Morgan Hale.
