Page 106 of Keller

"No." My throat is suddenly as dry as sandpaper. I struggle to swallow. "Reaching out moves this from pattern review into evidence collection. I wanted your assessment first."

Martin leans back in his chair. His expression doesn't change, but something shifts in the room.

"That's the job. If it leads nowhere, then it leads nowhere."

The words land like a boulder on my chest.

"If a plausible operational link exists between that trust wire and executive routing behavior during the October 10 through 13 window, you have to explore it."

"I'm not saying escalation at this point." His voice stays measured. "Just reach out to Maris quietly, ask for information on the consult, and then see where you land."

I stand, realizing that what he's suggesting is exactly what I would have said if I weren't as close as I am. "Understood."

The walk back to my desk takes thirty seconds. It feels longer.

I open my email. The draft sits there, cursor blinking at the end of the last sentence.

Could you please confirm the scope of work associated with this engagement?

My finger hovers over the mouse for a few seconds, and then I click send.

The afternoon drags.I check my email every fifteen minutes, then every ten, then every five. Nothing from Maris.

I force myself to focus on other files. Routine compliance reviews and documentation requests. The mundane machinery of federal oversight that usually steadies me.

Today it's a grating noise, like fingers on a chalkboard.

At 4:47 PM, my inbox refreshes.

And there sits a new message from Maris Intelligence Group.

Fuck.

My pulse kicks up as I click it open.

Dear Agent Mercer,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding our engagement with the Eleanor Stone Historic Preservation Trust.

We can confirm that Mr. Robert Stone personally retained our services on September 29 for confidential exposure analysis. The scope of work addressed increased pressure for expedited Gulf landing clearance tied to Gulf Meridian Imports, a third-party logistics partner operating within Stone Intermodal's network.

Our preliminary report was delivered directly to Mr. Stone on October 10. The analysis identified routing patterns consistent with known synthetic opioid concealment corridors operating through secondary Gulf ports. We recommended consideration of federal liaison involvement if exposure indicators continued.

Please note that our findings were preliminary and not conclusive. We did not make accusations regarding anyspecific party or organization. Our role was limited to risk identification and strategic advisory.

If you require additional documentation, please submit a formal records request through the appropriate channels.

Regards,

B. Newman

Director of Client Services

Maris Intelligence Group

I read it several more times, not because I don't understand what it says, but because I'm not ready to do anything after this.

The words blur and sharpen, and my hands go cold against the keyboard.