Evelyn gave a small nod.
“Thank you.”
Danielle looked at the photograph again.
“Who altered the records?”
Evelyn shook her head.
“My mother never told me the person's name. She said the official review had identified a procedural failure, but the person responsible had left the agency before the final findings were completed.”
“Was it someone in her unit?”
“I don't know.”
“Did Terrence know?”
Evelyn looked down at the photograph.
“He may have.”
Danielle felt the uncertainty return.
“What does that mean?”
“It means your husband was involved in the review, and he may have information that I don't.”
Danielle considered the possibility.
Terrence had never been secretive with her about ordinary matters. But he was careful when discussing confidential work, and he had always maintained a strict boundary between professional records and family life.
If the investigation had involved altered documents, he might have been unable to share the details.
Still, the thought that a stranger on a plane could reveal a hidden piece of his past unsettled her.
Evelyn folded the photograph and returned it to the wallet.
“I didn't intend for you to find out this way.”
Danielle's voice remained even.
“Neither did I.”
They fell silent.
The flight attendant made an announcement about the estimated arrival time and the expected weather in Denver. Passengers began preparing for the descent, closing laptops and stowing headphones.
Maya looked at Evelyn.
“Are you going to tell Dad you're sorry?”
Evelyn turned toward her.
“Yes. If he's willing to speak with me.”
“He probably will.”
Danielle looked at her daughter.
“You don't know that.”
Maya shrugged.
“Dad talks to people, even when they're wrong.”
Evelyn's expression softened.
“Your father sounds like a very patient man.”
“He is,” Maya replied. “But he doesn't let people be mean to us.”
Danielle smiled faintly.
“That's true.”
Evelyn looked down.
“I wish I'd understood that before.”
The aircraft began descending through a thin layer of cloud. The cabin lights brightened, and Rachel asked passengers to return their tray tables to the upright position.
Danielle secured the baby carrier and helped Maya put her backpack beneath the seat. Evelyn gathered her belongings, making sure her coat remained on her lap rather than spreading across the adjacent seat.
When the aircraft touched down, a ripple of applause came from a few passengers, followed by the familiar sound of seat belts clicking open once the plane reached the gate.
Danielle remained seated until the aisle cleared.
She did not want to struggle with the baby and bags while everyone pushed forward. Maya stayed beside her, watching the passengers file past.
Evelyn stood when her row became accessible.
Before leaving, she turned toward Danielle.
“May I give you my card?”
Danielle hesitated.
“Why?”
“So you can contact me if you want to discuss what happened with my mother. I can also send you the documents I still have.”
Danielle considered the offer.
“Do you have any official records?”