…“Is that—Daniel Hayes?” wrk someone whispered, barely able to finish the sentence.

“Emily,” he said, his voice just a little too tight. “You made it.”

She smiled.

Polite.

Distant.

“I did,” she said.

His eyes flicked to Daniel.

Then back to her.

“You didn’t mention you’d be bringing… company.”

Daniel extended his hand.

“Daniel Hayes.”

Richard hesitated for half a second too long before shaking it.

“Yes,” Richard said. “I know who you are.”

Daniel nodded once.