Meanwhile, Theron had been quiet throughout the exchange, but now he addressed him directly.
"Bruce."
"Yes?"
"If you intend to involve Wren in the actual work, you'll eventually have to tell them more than you've told anyone so far."
"I know."
"Are you ready for that?"
Bruce considered the question before answering.
"Not yet. Not today. But eventually, I will have to be."
He glanced at the closed volume resting on the table.
"Wren has already prepared for someone like me. They've written down their experiences, knowing another seventh case might come along someday. They've even made it clear that they're willing to help. If I approach them with what I've learned, I believe they'll listen."
"Then when will you tell them?"
"When I know enough for the conversation to be useful. Right now, I'm still trying to understand the problem myself. Telling Wren today would only give them something else to worry about, and I have no answers to offer."
He paused.
