Ambrose Ward sat in the burgeoning silence of his new office, watching the door click shut behind Violet Ross. He stood by the window for a moment, his eyes following her reflection in the glass as she walked back to her desk with a newfound, rigid purpose. He had promised to consider her for the Joint Investigation Task Force, but in the inner sanctum of the Provincial Committee, a promise was rarely a gift—it was a strategic loan.
He pulled his smartphone from the inner pocket of his charcoal blazer. The screen glowed, illuminating his face with a pale, cold light. He navigated to his encrypted messaging app and found the contact for Blake White.
“Blake, I need a quick read on Violet Ross’s domestic situation. She’s pushing for a spot on the Joint Investigation Task Force. Claims she’s
