Detective Ellis did not bring us together.

She told me only what Clara had consented to share: Clara had seen unusual payments connected to camera maintenance, and she had become concerned when her objections were dismissed.

She’d saved records in case the bookkeeping was later blamed on her.

“Why did she ask about me?” I said.

“Because she heard what happened after you spoke up.

She wanted to know that coming forward wouldn’t put another employee in danger.”

I thought of the photograph on Malcolm’s back door.