“You have five seconds, Jared,” I said, watching the floor numbers light up as the elevator climbed.

“They are charging me with corporate espionage and conspiracy,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

“I know,” I said.

“You have to tell the board the transfer of shares was authorized,” he pleaded, his breath rattling against the receiver. “If I go down, the company goes down with me.”

“My signature was forged, Jared,” I said. “The handwriting analysis is already on the district attorney’s desk.”

“Shelby, please,” he said. “Think about what we built.”

“You built a lie,” I said, and pressed the red button to end the call.

The elevator dinged, and the heavy metal doors slid open to the executive suite.

Marcus was waiting by the receptionist’s desk, holding a black leather portfolio under his arm.

“The board members are in the conference room,” Marcus said, looking at my face. “Are you ready?”

“I have the key,” I said, showing him the small brass object in my palm.

We walked down the carpeted hallway toward the double doors of the boardroom.