“Employee falsified his background,” I say. “This should have been caught before onboarding. It wasn’t.”
Karl opens it, scanning fast. “Halcyon Systems,” he murmurs. “Six months omitted.”
“Our favorite competitor,” Alex says, delighted.
“He didn’t forget it,” I say. “He concealed it. He applied for a role with access to internal projections, vendor contracts, acquisition modeling.”
Karl’s jaw tightens. “He’s had eyes on everything.”
“For a few days,” I say. “Which is long enough.”
Alex sits forward, practically vibrating. “Oh, I love these.”
“You enjoy interrogations far too much,” I say.
“They’re not interrogations,” Alex replies cheerfully. “They’re clarifications under pressure.”
Karl closes the file. “I’ll coordinate with Legal. Lock his access immediately.”
“I’ve already alerted IT,” I say. “He’s yours.”
Alex pushes to his feet. “I’ll handle the conversation.”
“Of course you will.”
He beams. “I’m thinking… controlled burn. Gentle questions. Then we see where he cracks.”
Karl exhales. “You’re an HR nightmare.”
Alex smiles wider. “I prefer mad scientist.”
I don’t smile—but something settles into place.
“This doesn’t leave this room,” I say. “No speculation. No chatter.”
“Understood,” Karl says immediately.
Alex gives a mock salute. “Your secrets are safe with us.”
I turn to leave.
As I step back into the hallway, I pass Mark’s office.
The door is open.
Inside—on the credenza by the window—is a bouquet.
Not subtle. Thoughtful. Deliberate.
I slow without meaning to.
Mark looks up, catches my glance, grins. “Don’t ask.”
I keep walking.
At Shannon’s desk, there’s another arrangement. Softer this time. Lighter colors. A card tucked beneath the ribbon.
She notices me noticing.
