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"I gave two weeks' notice despite my aunt's condition. I'm surprised at that reference, but I knew they were angry I left."

Clever.

"What would you do if you found financial irregularities in documents you processed?"

She answers without hesitation. "I'd document the issue, verify my findings, then report directly to my supervisor without causing alarm."

"Even if your supervisor might be involved?"

Her gaze meets mine. "If I suspected that, I'd follow the company ethics policy for proper reporting channels and go over their heads."

Smart answer. Safe answer. My phone vibrates. I check it and stand.

"Excuse me. This needs my attention."

I move to the window, turning away as I answer. "Kavanagh."

"We've got trouble at Pier 14. The Belfast shipment—customs flagged three containers. O'Malley isn't here to smooth it over."

I feel my mask slipping. My voice drops low.

"Who changed the manifest?"

"Donovan, but?—"

"Find him. Keep him there. Tell customs we'll send corrected documentation. I'll handle this myself."

"If Donovan tries to leave?"

"He won't." It needs no elaboration. "Not if he values his health insurance."

I end the call and turn to find Orla watching me. She is composed, but more alert now. She saw the change—businessman to something darker. Most people show some badly hidden fear. She doesn't.

I sit down again. "Where were we? Right. Ethics policies."

"Is everything okay?" she asks.

"A minor shipping issue. Common in this business." I watch her. "International trade brings many... regulatory challenges. We will issue the corrected documents, and it’ll be fixed."

"I imagine it has many challenges."

This woman has secrets—dangerous in my world. But keeping potential threats close works better than leaving them where I can’t see them. Someone has sent her here—I will find out who.

"This position demands complete discretion, Ms. Kelly. We handle sensitive matters for important clients. You'll see and hear things that stay within these walls."

"I understand confidentiality, Mr. Kavanagh. I am happy to sign an NDA."

"I doubt that." My smile shows teeth. "But you'll learn. The pay exceeds industry standard by twenty percent. In exchange, I expect availability beyond office hours and absolute loyalty."

"That sounds fair."

I stand to end our meeting. "Patricia will arrange your paperwork. You can start on Monday."

"Thank you for the opportunity."

"Don't thank me yet, Ms. Kelly." I extend my hand. "This is not a job for the weak."

Her hand touches mine, surprisingly warm. "I am not weak, Mr. Kavanagh."