We crossed the bridge out of the city.

The sky was gray and heavy with the promise of rain.

Behind us, the black SUV was still there, keeping a steady distance of three cars.

Alexander’s phone rang again.

This time, the caller ID showed the name of the company’s chief legal officer.

He answered it.

“This is Alexander,” he said.

He put it on speaker.

“Alexander, thank God,” a man’s voice came through the speaker.

It was frantic.

“Where are you?”

“I am out of the office, Harold,” Alexander said.

“You need to get back here right now,” Harold said.

“The board is in a panic.”

“The New York Times just published a follow-up story.”

“They have the bank records.”

“What bank records?” Alexander asked, leaning forward.

“The records showing payments to Dr. Keller,” Harold said.

“The clinic in Switzerland.”

“The journalist has proof the funds came from a subsidiary of Sterling Global.”

“It’s a disaster, Alexander.”

“The SEC is going to launch an investigation into corporate misconduct.”

“Your mother is blaming you.”

“She is telling everyone you authorized the transfers.”

Alexander’s hand tightened into a fist.