Full story: I slept with a stranger on my sixty-second birthday, and by sunrise he was gone. K007

neral.”I stared at her.

“That’s impossible.”

“He stood far away. Across the cemetery. I thought he was Dad.”

I remembered Claire leaving the reception early.

She had said she felt sick.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because when I followed him, he told me he was Dad’s brother.”

My knees weakened.

Claire continued.

“He gave me a letter.”

Samuel smiled faintly.

Daniel cursed under his breath.

“What letter?” I asked.

Claire disappeared inside.

She returned holding a small blue envelope.

“I’ve kept it for three years.”

“Without telling me?”

“Dad told me not to.”

Samuel laughed.

“Robert. Still controlling everyone after he was d/e/@/d.”

Claire handed me the envelope.

The paper had softened at the folds.

Inside was Robert’s handwriting.

Claire,

If you are reading this, you have met Samuel.

Do not trust him.

I glanced toward Samuel.

His smile disappeared.

But do not fear him either.