“They updated the security protocols for the merger meeting,” Miller said.

“All non-essential administrative badges were flagged.”

“I’m definitely not essential,” I said with a self-deprecating smile.

“But Mr. Reed’s temper is.”

Harris tapped his own black master keycard against the reader.

The light beeped and flashed green.

The heavy metal door clicked open.

“Make it quick, Clara,” Harris said.

“The executive floor is supposed to be locked down until the signatures are dry.”

“Thank you,” I said, slipping past them.

“I owe you a coffee.”

The door closed behind me with a heavy thud.

The air in this back corridor was cooler, smelling of floor wax and ozone.

While I stood in the quiet corridor, miles away, Alexander was sitting in a windowless room.

The precinct on Hudson Street was loud, smelling of stale tobacco and wet coats.

I knew exactly how he looked.

He would be wearing his charcoal suit, minus the tie, sitting perfectly straight.

Detective Vance would be leaning across the table, throwing forged bank statements between them.

Marcus had done a thorough job with the paper trail.