Her breathing turned shallow.

“Have you been going through my station?” she asked.

The professional mask was slipping, revealing a sharp, defensive edge.

“I was looking for some aspirin,” I said, keeping my voice calm.

“You should have asked me,” she said, her voice rising.

“Everything in this room is carefully regulated.”

She took a step toward the cabinet, her hand reaching out.

I knew if she opened it, she would see the binder was out of order.

She would know that I knew.

“I will ask next time,” I said, moving to block her path.

The wind howled outside, throwing a sheet of rain against the glass.

The old estate creaked in the storm.

In the dim light, Benson’s eyes looked wild, darting between me and the cabinet.

“I think you need to leave now, Mrs. Thornton,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.

“Before I have to call security.”

“Who would you call, Benson?” I asked.

“My grandmother-in-law? Or Jason?”

She froze at the mention of Jason’s name.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.