She had built her whole understanding of the world on the premise that she was the one who managed everyone else.

In the space of five seconds, that premise cracked, and I saw her feel it crack, and she did not yet even know why.

“It’s all signed, filed, and delivered to the state prosecutor’s office, Elise,” he said, and his voice carried easily down the corridor.

“The freeze on the associated accounts took effect twenty minutes ago.”

Victoria’s whole body went rigid. “Harrison — what is this? What is he talking about, Elise?”

I took the folder and opened it.