For my taxes.” A silence.

And then, carefully: “Is your company auditing your bank transfers?” And there it was.

Fear.

Small, and controlled, but unmistakable, the first crack in five years of smooth, practiced lying.

She had heard the word audit, and she was afraid.

Chapter 15 — Five Years

We scheduled a face-to-face meeting at her house for the following afternoon.

Maya wanted to come.