The package arrived at a quarter past eight.

The knock on the door startled Weiss out of a deep sleep. He sat up abruptly, surprised to find that he had slept on the couch, the remote still clutched tightly in his left hand. Glancing around at the daylight that flooded his apartment, he blinked hard and attempted to make sense of things.

The knock sounded again, loudly.

"Okay, all right," Weiss groaned, hauling himself up from the cushions, his body creaking in protest. He rubbed his back as he made his way slowly to the door, tossing the remote onto the kitchen counter as he passed by.

Opening the door, Weiss squinted at the bright sunlight.

"Hey, buddy, did I wake ya?" A delivery guy who looked vaguely familiar gave Weiss the once over. "Sorry 'bout that."

"No problem," Weiss shook his head. "Can I help you?"

"I got a delivery here," the driver checked the front of the overnight envelope. "Eric Weiss?"

"That's me," Weiss took the envelope and glanced at it. "France?"

"Must be important," the driver smiled, a wad of gum visible just inside his cheek. "You some kinda big shot?"

Weiss shrugged. "Hardly," he admitted. "Do I need to sign for this?"

"Oh, yeah," the delivery guy handed him a clipboard and a pen. "Line sixteen, pal."

Weiss quickly scrawled his name and then turned his attention back to the envelope, already wondering if he should wait to open it until he got to work so Marshall could check it out.

"Hmm," the driver studied the clipboard. "Eric Weiss. Did you know that was Houdini's real name?"

Weiss looked up, seemingly surprised that the driver was still standing there.

"So I've been told," he nodded. "Hey, uhm, thanks a lot, okay?" He turned to go back inside.

"Hey, no problem there," the delivery guy gave him a friendly wave. "Have a good day."

"You, too," Weiss called, waiting until the driver was almost back to his truck before he closed the door. He frowned as he studied the envelope, wondering who he knew in France.

Carrying it into the kitchen, he allowed curiosity to get the best of him and pulled the tab at the envelope flap. Once it was open, he cautiously reached inside and pulled out a folded sheet of blue stationery. After pulling out one of his kitchen stools, Weiss tossed aside the envelope and unfolded the letter. He couldn't help but chuckle out loud as he read.

Dear Eric,

I'm sure by now Dixon has told you that I'm taking some time off. I know you're probably wondering where I am and if I'm okay. I also know that even if I tell you I'm fine, you worry about me anyway. That's one of the things I love about you.

You've been so great to me over the last few weeks. You knew I was having a rough time and you did all you could to make it easier. I appreciate that. You've been looking out for me, and as much as I needed it then, I don't need it now.

Don't misunderstand; I'm grateful for everything you've done. I just need you to know, now, that I'm doing fine and there is nothing more you need to do for me. I'm going to be all right.

I don't know exactly when I'll be back. Until I am, please keep an eye on my apartment, and yes, you can help yourself to the beer in my refrigerator.

Warmly,

Sydney

P.S. You were so flirting with the delivery guy.