The heavy oak front door rattled as Thomas knocked.

He did not wait for an invitation.

The brass doorknob turned, and he stepped into the small foyer, wiping his wet leather shoes on the mat.

He looked different tonight.

The confidence that usually hung around him like expensive cologne was gone.

His hair was slightly damp from the autumn drizzle, and his tie was loosened.

I noticed his left sleeve was frayed at the cuff.

That was unlike Thomas, who always insisted on immaculate tailoring.

“Rebecca,” he said, nodding curtly toward her.

“Thomas,” she replied, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

He ignored her then, turning his full attention to Caroline.

He pulled a thick manila envelope from the inner pocket of his wool coat.

“I came as soon as I heard from my contacts in Richmond,” Thomas said, stepping closer to the kitchen table.

“The trust has been released.”

Caroline did not flinch.

“How did you obtain that information?” she asked.

“It does not matter,” Thomas said, his fingers twitching against the paper envelope.

“What matters is your safety, Caroline.”