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We walk a few paces before I bring it up. “I never stole from your father.”

“You keep saying that.”

“Because it’s true.”

“He said the money disappeared from an offshore account you managed.”

“It didn’t disappear.”

Her eyes narrow. “So there was money.”

“Yes.”

“And you took it.”

“No.”

“Where did it go?”

“I can’t tell you.”

She throws up her hands. “Of course you can’t.”

“Sophie.”

“I knew it.”

I crouch in front of her.

She tries to stand, but her injured ankle gives way. I catch her knees between my hands, keeping her safely seated.

“Listen to me.”

“I listened to you in the truck. I listened while you dragged me here. I’m finished listening.”

“I never took a dollar from Doug .”

“Then explain it.”

“I can’t.”

“Because you’re lying.”

“No. Because the answer involves an operation that’s still classified.”

That makes her pause.

I hold her gaze. “My name stayed on the account after I transferred control. Doug knows where the money went. He knows what it funded.”

“Then why would he blame you?”

“If I tell you Sophie, you’ll never look at me the same way again.”

“Try me.”

“Eh, I don’t think so.”

“Seriously… Try me.” She says. “Does this have something to do with my birthday.”