“But you don’t know where the rest of the money is.”

He smiled slightly, a thin, cruel line.

“And you never will if you walk out of this room with that folder.”

The phone in his hand suddenly vibrated, the screen lighting up.

The caller ID displayed Daniel’s name.

Richard did not answer it; he just kept his eyes locked on mine.

“He is desperate, Emily,” Richard whispered.

“And desperate men do foolish things when they lose everything.”

Outside, the rain began to fall harder, drumming against the skylight above us.

I took a step back, my heel hitting the edge of the mahogany desk.

I had no way out except through the door he was blocking.

My phone in my coat pocket began to vibrate as well, a synchronized buzz against my thigh.

I did not break eye contact with Richard as I slowly reached down to touch the screen through the fabric.

I slid my thumb over the fabric of my coat, pressing the side button to silence the call.

The vibration against my thigh stopped, but the silence that followed felt heavier.