Minnette Prentiss tells her husband, Derrick, that she received a “strangest” letter. The writer claims to have bought Minnette’s pencil portrait from the Chalice and wants to give it to her as a gift, asking her to meet him next Thursday at the fountain.

Derrick, a prosecutor with the district attorney’s office, reads the letter carefully and notes details that make it feel both odd and credible: careful penmanship, expensive paper, friendly language, but no last name or return address. Derrick is troubled that the sender knows Minnette’s identity and address while remaining anonymous, and he considers asking Uncle Asher, Shep, or someone at the coffee shop for information about who bought the portrait.

Minnette argues that the letter seems innocent and may reflect “benign eccentricity,” while Derrick worries about possible danger, including a stalker or retaliation connected to his cases. Minnette admits she initially suspected Derrick had bought the portrait as a romantic surprise, but Derrick denies writing the letter.

Minnette proposes that they go together to the fountain to see who the stranger is, then have supper and enjoy the framed portrait. Derrick remains uneasy, but Minnette suggests practical precautions—meeting in daylight, staying in public, and even watching from a distance before approaching. She asks Derrick to reread the letter without distractions and agree only if he still feels comfortable.