“I’m more than ready to leave,” Bryn said, sliding off the gurney.“Let’s go before Bell decides there’s someone left alive he wants me to read.”
The ride back to GCR headquarters was quiet.Bryn dozed fitfully against the passenger window while Gunnar drove.Giles occupied the back seat.
“You know Warden’s going to have words,” Giles said, breaking the silence.
“I know,” Bryn replied without opening his eyes.
“Strong words.”
“I know.”
“Loud words.”
“I get it, Giles.”Bryn rubbed his neck, trying to ease an ache.
Gunnar pulled up outside the front of the converted brownstone saying that it was easier to get to the front door rather than dealing with the back entrance.By the time they made it to the door, Emmett was already there, bouncing on his toes.
“Are you okay?Is everyone okay?I heard there were casualties and gunfire and…”
“We’re fine, Emmett,” Gunnar said.“Bruised but fine.”
“That’s good.I was worried.Warden wants to see all of you in his office.I’ll find someone to move the car.”
“Yeah, I should have gone around back,” Gunnar said, “but it’s farther to walk and Bryn has cracked ribs.”
“Oh, ouch!It’s no problem.I was looking out for you.”
They made their way inside, Bryn trying not to wince with each step.Warden’s office door was open, and he was standing behind his desk, his expression ominous.On his desk, Bryn spotted what looked like an evidence bag containing a white envelope.Oh no.It can’t be.After this shit show of a day, I do not need this.
“Before we discuss your unauthorized heroics,” Warden said, “the FBI found this in the cathedral, tucked behind one of the prayer candles near the altar.”He held up the evidence bag.“It’s addressed to you, Bryn.From Dr.Templeton.”
Fuck my life.“He was there?”
“Him or his messenger.We don’t know when the letter was placed there but it probably happened after everything was over and Russo’s men were gone.Bell’s people are reviewing all the CCTV footage, but with everything that happened…” Warden shook his head.“He could have walked in and out in the chaos wearing a clown suit and we’d never have noticed him.”
“What does it say?”Gunnar asked.
“I haven’t opened it yet.”Warden set the bag down.“We can deal with this tomorrow if you’re not up to it, Bryn.”
Bryn stared at the letter, feeling a familiar chill.It was possible that Everard Templeton had been watching him.Had probably been observing the mayhem unfold.
“I need to see it now.”
Warden nodded.“Very well.”
“You do it.”
Warden slipped on a pair of latex gloves then opened the evidence bag.The letter was written on the same expensive cream paper as the previous ones, in the same precise handwriting.
Warden read aloud, “‘My dear Bryn, what a fascinating afternoon this has been.It has been some time since I witnessed such beautiful anarchy.You continue to surprise me with your courage, though I worry you’re becoming reckless.A mind like yours should be preserved, not risked in such crude, violent circumstances.Mr.Russo’s creations lacked artistry.True power lies not in brute strength but in understanding the human psyche.I look forward to our eventual meeting.Until then, do try to be more careful.Yours sincerely, Everard.’”
The office fell silent.
“He was watching,” Bryn said.“The whole time, he was watching.”
“We’ll increase security,” Warden said.
“He’s getting bolder.”
