She opened the locked drawer and removed a black phone.
There were only twelve contacts.
The first read:
JULIAN REESE — GENERAL COUNSEL.
He answered before the second ring.
“Madam Chairwoman.”
Seraphina stared at her reflection in the dark edge of the monitor.
Cream blouse.
Simple skirt.
A faint dishwater stain on her sleeve.
“Good evening, Julian.”
There was a pause.
He knew her voice well enough to recognize danger in its calmest form.
“What happened?”
“I need Grant Holloway seated at the central table tonight.”
Another pause.
“That can be arranged.”
“Tell him Bellamy Holdings requested his placement personally.”
Julian inhaled.
“All right.”
“And move Holloway Meridian’s investment presentation to immediately before mine.”
“Seraphina.”
He used her first name only when legal counsel became personal friend.
“Yes?”
“Are you sure?”
Her eyes moved toward a photograph on the desk.
Grant and Seraphina on their wedding day.
He was laughing.
