Lysander's message contained three words which made me arrive early.
The copy arrived.
At the library desk, he handed me a packet from the public collection. I recognized the request reference from the day Cassian's archive restriction had turned my carefully prepared list into something I could no longer use.
"The continuation?" I asked.
"And the source description. Read both."
"I intended to."
He kept his hand on the packet for another moment.
"Before deciding what the copy proves."
I looked at him. He released the packet.
Apparently I had developed a reputation. I would have preferred one which saved me copying charges, but this was what I had to work with.
The outer sheet was tied loosely enough to open with my left hand. I appreciated that small kindness and decided not to spoil it by asking whether he had done it on purpose.
