Klein nodded, his expression turning stone-cold.

"He was searching for me with dark intentions," Klein said quietly. "I tried to avoid him while I figured out his motives, and that was when I discovered he had a deep connection to you, too."

"Dan..." Ria whispered, her voice shaking as she looked back at the bound man.

"I still intended to reveal myself to you," Klein continued, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Until I was ambushed. My life was nearly taken."

Ria’s eyes widened in horror. "Someone shot you?!"

"I told you in my note, didn't I?" Klein asked softly. Ria nodded, her chest heaving. "He tried to shoot me—not just...