Adventure of Dallas Fontaine 2

The drizzle thins to a silver hiss over the secluded park. Wet grass shines under the dead lantern glow, and the torn scraps of the destroyed page cling to the mud near Dallas's shoes.

Dallas and Elena stand by the bench, close enough to share warmth, quiet enough to hear the rain breathing through the bare trees. For a moment, the city feels far away.

A courier in a dark coat approaches along the path, careful and unhurried. He stops at a polite distance and extends a sealed envelope toward Dallas, the wax unbroken and the paper dry inside his hand.

The courier gives a small, tired shrug, all business and no menace. Elena lets out a faint breath, and the moment opens up again, waiting for Dallas to take the letter or let it hang in the rain-muted air.

Dallas takes the envelope cleanly from the courier and turns it in his fingers, reading the seal before the rain can dull it. He breaks the wax with a quick snap, then opens the flap and slides the letter free.

Elena watches the movement, her posture tightening for one breath, then easing when Dallas keeps the envelope in hand instead of hiding it.

The courier lowers his hand, rain spotting the cuff of his coat. The wax shard falls into the grass beside the burnt scraps of paper.

Elena steps half a pace closer, eyes on Dallas's face, waiting for what the message changes.