My Dad Asked, “Is Your Allowance Sufficient?” I Replied, “What Allowance?”

More time

He needed more time to analyze them. The cryptographer promised to keep me updated on his progress but cautioned that the process could take a while.

I thanked him and left his office, feeling a mixture of anticipation and impatience. Waiting would be difficult, but at least I had a professional on the case.

The encoded letters represented the best lead I had, and I hoped they would eventually reveal why my parents had left me out.