I carried my resignation envelope in one hand.
The decoy drive rested inside it.
The records-room door stood open.
It should have been locked.
I entered.
Rows of shelving created narrow aisles through the windowless room.
Archive boxes lined the walls.
At the far end, beneath a single ceiling light, Adrian Vale stepped out from behind a shelf.
He looked older than the photograph in Dante’s sealed file.
Silver threaded his hair, and one side of his expensive coat hung strangely, as though something heavy rested inside it.
His smile was almost friendly.
“Cara Bennett,” he said.
“The loyal assistant finally learns what loyalty costs.”
“Where is the person who copied my credentials?”
Vale’s smile widened.
“Still asking questions.”
“You need this drive.
I need answers.”
I lifted the envelope but did not approach him.
He glanced toward the corridor.
“Moretti sent you alone?”
“He thinks I’m leaving.”
“That part is true, at least.”
“Why my sister?”
“Because everyone has a hinge.
A place where enough pressure makes them open.”
The cruelty in his voice was casual, practiced.
I forced myself not to react.
“Who told you about the audit?”
“You do not need his name.”
“Then you don’t need the drive.”
I began sliding the envelope back into my coat.
Vale’s smile disappeared.
“The vice chairman was right about you,” he said.
“He said Moretti’s weakness would eventually start believing she had power.”
Dante’s voice came softly through my earpiece.
Keep him talking.
“Which vice chairman?” I asked.
Vale realized his mistake.
His eyes narrowed.
“You are wearing a wire.”
He moved toward me.
I stepped behind a steel table and held the envelope over a document shredder.
“One more step and your evidence becomes confetti.”
“You think that frightens me?”
“No.
But disappointing the man who paid you might.”
Vale stopped.
For the first time, uncertainty crossed his face.
I pressed the shredder’s power switch.
Its motor roared through the room.
Vale lunged.
Dante came through the doorway before Vale reached the table.
He did not shout.
He simply positioned himself between us.
“My sister is with the police,” I said.
