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Bea was confused, but with her life completely upended, what did one more mystery count?

“There have been a spate of ransomware attacks in the industry recently,” Martin said smoothly, “and we have so much confidential client information in our files that we decided to upgrade all our systems.”

“I didn’t know that,” said Jackson.

“It’s not news we wanted to broadcast,” said Martin. “But it’s a necessary business precaution these days.”

“Cyber security,” Bea whispered. She’d given permission for all her work files to be remotely accessed and searched when she’d lodged her complaint about Jackson.

“But ransomware isn’t the reason I called this meeting.” Martin looked at her. “Unfortunately, I had to be away from the office late last week, so missed some key staff meetings. I understand a few decisions were made that will need to be reversed. I wasn’t present for Rachel Wallace’s interview on Friday, but I’ve read the transcript.”

Jackson shifted in his seat.

“Jackson, did Beatriz give you permission to go through her backpack and copy her notes on the Landgemacht project?”

Bea lifted her gaze to Jackson’s face. It was one thing to get Rachel to lie for him, a different thing for him to lie. Her hand crept to her throat. What files had the super-efficient Emily Carlsson been delving into? She could see Jackson making swift calculations, assessing what he’d get away with.

“I might have misunderstood her, but we’ve been working together on a few things, and she’s given me permission to share.” Jackson threaded a hand through his hair, disarranging it in a way that had Rachel drooling, then gave one of his boyishly charming smiles, that always left Bea’s teeth on edge.

“Not those files,” Bea disagreed. Martin had listened to her when she’d asked to speak to him about the interview after her pep talk with Casildo.

Bea had suggested a cyber security system as a line item for Casildo’s business plan to prevent hacking of his accounts, or theft of his designs. She hoped he’d follow up. Maybe Anna could get Hunter to drop a hint.

“The search and data evidence support Beatriz’s statement to me that she privately developed some ideas to present as part of her promotion interview,” Martin said. “The files were locked, but a single copy was printed. You quoted extensively from that file in your interview and claimed the ideas were yours.”

“We must have talked about them, thrown ideas back and forth,” Jackson pushed ahead, claiming credit when his cover was blown.

“You requested that Beatriz work exclusively for you on Friday.”

“We’re a good team.”

“Never gonna happen,” Martin said. Not an expression she could recall her boss ever using before. “Collaboration is one thing. Theft is another. And intimidation of another employee is a sackable offence.”

“If Beatriz said I intimidated her, that’s a lie.” Jackson did outrage very well.

“The principal of a rival firm made an official complaint to me yesterday.”

Antonio?Casildo wasn’t a principal of any firm. Yet.

“Did you put your boyfriend up to this?” Jackson sneered.

Jackson had taken the bait, turned his attention to Antonio, not Casildo. Casildo was safe. Relief made her dizzy.

“There’s no evidence that Ms. Gomez and Mr. Perez have a personal relationship, however, there is evidence that you contacted the independent on the interview panel prior to the interview,” Emily was clinical in her conclusion.

Bea could get addicted to Emily’s Swedish accent.

“I’d like your resignation, effective immediately, Jackson.” Martin stood and opened the door.

“I can explain,” Jackson started.

“I’d also like you off the premises in fifteen minutes. Emily will assist you to clear your desk.”

Bea watched Emily and Jackson leave in a kind of fog. What had just happened? And why couldn’t it have happened last week before Rachel and Jackson ambushed her?

“I’m sorry, Bea. My son copped a cricket ball to the head last Wednesday. I’ve been at the hospital.”

“Is he okay?”