” They walked her out while phones buzzed and eyes followed.
In the lobby, an officer waited to take her statement.
Papers were signed.
Cece was led away, jaw tight, gaze hot with blame.
By evening, Cece was out again.
She stepped into a dark car that smelled of cold air and expensive cologne.
Kelvin sat inside, tapping a ring against the door.
“You were careless,” he said flatly.
“Cece shot him a look.
You promised protection.
I did exactly what you wanted.
Push Evelyn out.
Ruin her design.
Make Henry look weak.
” Kelvin’s smile was small and sharp.
“And you got caught.
” She folded her arms.
You said you had the police in your pocket.
I have someone, not everyone.
He said bored.
Bail is a bandage, not a cure.
Next time, use clean hands.
She turned to face him fully.
I did this for both of us.
For yourself, Kelvin corrected, amused.
Let’s not lie to each other.
You want Evelyn gone because she stands where you want to stand.
You want Henry’s eyes.
I want his chair.
Cece’s mouth curled.
Then we still want the same thing.
Kelvin nodded once.
Good.
Because this was only a first fire.
We will make the next one hotter and harder to see.
He reached into the console and pulled out a phone with a blank case.
Use this.
No more company devices.
No more bragging at work.
You insulted your own intelligence today.
Cece took the phone, cheeks burning.
Don’t talk to me like I’m stupid.
Kelvin’s tone stayed smooth.
Then don’t act like it.
The car rolled forward.
Street lights drew long lines on the ceiling.
Outside, the city looked harmless and bright.
Inside, a quiet plan formed in two minds that had decided to feed each other’s hunger.
Henry learned of the bale by dusk.
He stood at his office window with the old watch in his palm, city lights blinking like far stars, and felt anger he rarely let himself feel.
Austin.
Yes, sir.
Double security on all project files.
Fresh passwords.
New rules for personal devices already drafted.
And send a note to HR.
We support Evelyn’s appeal.
The suspension stays only while we finish the formal report.
Make sure her record shows no admission of guilt.
Language matters.
Done.
Henry breathed out slowly.
His reflection looked back at him, steady, tired, holding a watch that had waited 5 years for answers.
A small knock sounded at the door.
Austin stepped back in hesitant.
