“I don’t care about the agreement right now, Derek,” Roger said. “I care about the six million dollars moved out of our acquisition escrow last month.”

I stood on the landing, my fingers resting lightly on the polished wooden banister.

The air in the hallway felt cold, drafty from the vents.

Downstairs, Derek took a step toward the dining table, his shoes squeaking on the rug.

“There is a simple explanation for those transfers,” Derek said.

“Then explain it,” Roger said. “Because Arthur and Marcus are on this line too, and we are looking at the routing numbers.”

A second voice, deeper and heavier, cut through the static of the speaker.

“Derek, this is Arthur,” his senior partner said. “Those routing numbers lead to a private account in the Cayman Islands registered under your middle name.”

Derek did not answer immediately.

His chest rose and fell rapidly beneath his tailored shirt.

“It was a temporary holding structure,” Derek said. “To secure the land deal in Oregon.”

“The Oregon deal was closed three months ago,” Roger said. “And the funds never returned to the primary account.”