The wet wool felt heavy and cold.

“We will discuss this in a more formal setting,” I said.

“Evelyn,” Caroline called out as I walked toward the door.

“You’re going to regret this.”

“When Nathan gets his promotion anyway, I’m going to make sure everyone knows what you tried to do.”

“I’m going to make sure you’re fired.”

I didn’t answer her.

I opened the heavy oak door and stepped out onto the porch.

The rain was coming down harder now, washing over the gravel driveway.

I got into my sedan and started the engine.

The secure phone in my pocket buzzed again.

I pulled it out and tapped the screen.

The unauthorized access attempt had bypassed the first firewall.

Someone at the estate was actively trying to download my classified personnel file.

They had no idea what they were about to unlock.

I put the car in drive and pulled away from the house, the headlights cutting through the dark, wet trees.

As I drove toward the highway, I dialed my chief of staff.

“Hart,” I said when he answered.

“Ma’am,” Captain Miller replied immediately.