“Log in tonight from home, run the audit on October collections, and bring me the total before eight in the morning.”

“I’ll have it ready,” I said.

I picked up the slip of paper, folded it twice, and tucked it into the side zipper of my purse.

My wristwatch clicked against the edge of the table as I pulled my bag close.

“One more thing, Natalie,” Dr.

Bennett added, turning with her hand on the door handle.

“If your personal conflict follows you through that front door tomorrow, I’ll freeze the promotion immediately.”

“It won’t,” I said.