When Karl opened the door to his rooms, Loretta was again reading the battered old science fiction book. He tried to hide his smile as he handed her the envelope.
"I think you might have gotten a note."
She frowned before her features shifted into relief when she saw the handwriting.
"This is from Bess," she said. "Sorry I didn't warn you, but she wouldn't have written unless it was urgent."
"Fine by me. Hope you don't mind it being read first. Security never lets anything go in or out of here without helping themselves. They somehow manage to never break the seals."
She shook her head, already focused on reading.
"I've always assumed anything I send or...receive...could be... Bloody Crown."
Karl raised his eyebrows but said nothing. He concentrated on the surprisingly good soup and
