Angela wanted to dismiss the stranger's words as confusion brought on by his medical condition. She knew that severe cold exposure could affect awareness and memory. Thomas had been dangerously ill when the paramedics found him, and his physician had warned that he needed careful observation. Nevertheless, she couldn't dismiss the way Thomas recognized Evelyn's name or the fear that appeared whenever he mentioned the children's home.
During her break, Angela called Mrs. Patterson. The neighbor answered immediately, asking whether Thomas had survived. Angela confirmed that he was receiving treatment, then repeated his name. The silence on the telephone stretched so long that she thought the call had disconnected.
"Mrs. Patterson?"
"I was afraid that might be him."
"You knew Thomas?"
"Not personally. Your grandmother mentioned him shortly before she died."
Angela felt her pulse quicken. Her grandmother Ruth had helped raise her after Evelyn's death. Although Ruth was loving and dependable, she treated the fire as a forbidden subject. Whenever Angela asked why her mother had died, Ruth spoke about grief, faith, or the importance of leaving painful things behind.
"What did Grandma say about Thomas?"
Mrs. Patterson hesitated.
"She said he was the last man who tried to save Evelyn."
Angela pressed her hand against the wall.
"Why didn't anybody tell me?"
"Ruth was frightened. She believed people connected to the children's home still had influence in Briarwood."
"Who?"
"She wouldn't say."
The neighbor explained that Ruth had left an envelope with instructions to give it to Angela if someone ever returned asking about Evelyn. Mrs. Patterson had kept it in her closet for six years, uncertain whether revealing its existence would honor or betray her friend's final wishes.
Angela struggled to suppress her anger.
"I want that envelope."
"Of course, sweetheart."
Then Mrs. Patterson lowered her voice.
"There's something else. A black SUV has been parked across the street for almost half an hour."
Angela straightened.
"Has anybody approached the house?"
"No. Two men are inside."
Angela instructed her to remain indoors with Noah and contacted Detective Mara Collins, an acquaintance from high school. Mara promised to send an officer to check the vehicle. She also cautioned Angela that an unfamiliar parked car did not automatically mean anyone was threatening her.
When Angela returned to Thomas's room, he was awake.
"Is your boy safe?" he asked.
"Yes."
Thomas looked toward the doorway.
"Keep him that way."
Angela's voice hardened.
"Who are you afraid of?"
Thomas closed his eyes.
"The same people your father was afraid to fight."
Then he opened them again.
"And before you trust anyone, ask what happened to Daniel."