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Or maybe it’s an excuse. A flimsy justification for theft. But I don’t feel guilty for protecting them. I can’t. They’re children, and there’s nobody else.
All my internal arguments ripple like conflicting currents. The ocean in my travel brochure would never be this unsettled.
The sea has already done the hard work. At the beach in the photo, it’s peaceful. That’s all I’m trying to do. Buy some peace for my siblings.
The building’s elevator cars are all on different floors. I can’t breathe, waiting for one of them to arrive. When it does, I have to hold back a cheer.
Silver doors slide open.
And Mr. Leblanc steps out. He narrows his eyes when he sees me standing there. “Ms. Anderson. There you are. I’m glad I caught you.”
Oh, no. He means it literally, doesn’t he? I’m caught.
My heart stops. I couldn’t even pull off embezzlement for an entire afternoon. Two hours. That’s how long I lasted.
I picture police and handcuffs and an interrogation light. I picture Mia and Ben, alone. Abandoned. I picture a man with a gun. My muscles lock up tight.
“Yeah?” Very smooth. Very natural. “Yes. I’m still here. Just on my way out.”
His expression softens, sharp confusion melting away. “You did well today. I wanted to let you know before you went home for the evening.”
“Oh. Oh.” My knees melt. I could sink right down to the floor and sit there forever. “Oh, thank you. It was no problem. Thank you so much.”
Mr. Leblanc shoots me a look. “Have a pleasant evening, Ms. Anderson.”
“You too.” I sidestep him and bolt into the elevator. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I turn around and find him watching me, suspicious. There’s a flash of hunger in his eyes, I think. Or maybe I just imagine it.
The elevator doors close, and my stomach falls as we descend.
It felt good to hear praise from him. It’s not easy to score points with a man like Mr. Leblanc, and I’ve done it.
I should be proud.
But I haven’t won this victory. I’ve only stolen it.
Chapter Five
Will
It would be best for me to go ahead with the merger.
I’ve been reviewing the reports for weeks on end. The finance department has broken it down for me from every possible angle. They’ve put together reports on the reports. Spreadsheets. Filings. Everything.
The offer from Hughes Financial Services is airtight. A great offer. A stellar one, even.
For me and Summit. It would mean more money and more power. Everything I’ve always worked for.
But something is holding me back. Woke me up in the middle of the night. I’ve been at the office since five thirty. It’s still quiet out there. Only the overachievers will be in this early.
I get a text message.
Sinclair: Landed at JFK.
Will: That wasn’t 48 hours
Sinclair: I said it would probably be less. Did you miss me?
