Page 93 of Lorenzo

“Well, it's natural, ain't it?”

I smile, trying to calm the woman down. “Of course. Wanting to know more about where you came from.”

Elaine looks away, and I get the feeling that Rachel wanting to know more hurt her.

“When did the interest become serious?” I ask.

“After Daniel died.”

Six years ago.

That gives Rachel plenty of time.

“What changed?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.”

Elaine looks at me again.

Lorenzo remains quiet, exactly as promised, but his presence makes noise anyway.

Elaine's attention drifts to him each time she considers avoiding an answer.

“She found something,” Elaine says finally. “A letter. One her birth mother wrote.”

I sit forward slightly. “And those were in her adoption records?”

“No.”

I wait.

Elaine swallows. “Daniel had it.”

Lorenzo speaks for the first time.

“Why?”

Elaine turns toward him.

“He said it came with the other documents, but that we were told not to give it to Rachel unless she asked.”

“Do you know what the letter said?”

Her hands tighten together in her lap. “It wasn't mine, was it?”

“No, I suppose not,” I say, gently.

I take a moment to write things down in my notebook, but it's just an excuse. I want to give Elaine time to tell me the truth.

“He thought he was protecting her,” she says, pain crossing her face.

I set my pen down and look up. “Who did?” Though I already know.

“Daniel,” she says.

“What was he trying to protect her from, Mrs. Monroe?” I ask.