“Will she be able to call back and try again?” Ethan asked, his voice strained.

“No,” Mr.

Henderson said.

“I’m putting a permanent security passcode on this file right now.

Only Camila Carter can authorize any administrative action from here on.”

Mr.

Henderson took an official account audit document from his side tray and laid it flat on the blotter.

He reached into a drawer, took out a heavy wooden stamp, and pressed it into a dark red ink pad.