I didn’t need him.

That was the truth.

I could have installed the security software myself. I could have rewired the server room, reviewed the protocols, signed off on the audit. I had done harder things before breakfast.

But I wanted him here.

That was the other truth.

“You’re early,” I said, glancing at the clock on my office wall.

He stood just inside the doorway, tall, dark jacket folded neatly over one arm, expression calm in that irritatingly competent way men had when they believed they were in control.

“You said nine,” he replied.

“It’s eight forty-seven.”

“I don’t like wasting time.”

I smiled faintly. “Neither do I. Close...