“Better safe than sorry,” Kane agreed. “I could install a basic system today if you’re available. Two cameras—one covering your entry and main living space, another for the hallway. Motion-activated, footage accessible through a secure app on your phone.”
“That sounds perfect,” Morgan said, relieved at his matter-of-fact response. “Though I’m at work until five, with a doctor’s appointment right after.”
“What time do you take lunch?”
Morgan considered her schedule. “I usually take lunch around noon. Would that work?”
“Yes, it should only take about forty-five minutes for the setup.”
“Perfect! Thank you so much!”
“Absolutely. And Morgan? No charge for this one.”
“What? No, I insist on paying you,” she protested. “This is your business.”
Kane’s low chuckle came through the phone. “Let’s just say Bullet would have my head if I charged you. Consider it a professional courtesy.”
“At least let me make you coffee while you’re here,” Morgan insisted. “I’ve been told it’s pretty good.”
“I can absolutely vouch for your coffee. And your muffins,” Kane replied, a smile evident in his voice. “It’s a deal.”
They arranged the details, and Morgan hung up feeling significantly better about her security situation. Whatever was going on—even if it was just her imagination working overtime—having cameras would provide peace of mind.
She threw together one of her go-to recipes for a blueberry loaf that was more like a cake than a bread and put it in the fridge to keep so she could bake something fresh for Kane when he came by that afternoon.
She finished getting ready for work, choosing a conservative navy blue dress with a blazer. Her 5:30 PM testing appointment meant she’d need to leave the office slightly early, and looking professional might help mitigate Richard’s inevitable complaints.
The morning at Vertex Creative unfolded with its usual mix of client calls, design revisions, and interdepartmental meetings. Morgan kept an eye on the time, planning to leave for lunch at 11:45 to give herself enough time to meet Kane at her apartment.
At 11:30, her desk phone rang. The caller ID showed Henderson Materials—their largest client and the account with the financial discrepancy she’d noticed.
“Morgan Reeves,” she answered, trying to sound upbeat despite the knot forming in her stomach.
“Ms. Reeves, this is Thomas Henderson.” The gruff voice of the company’s CEO was unmistakable. “I’m calling about the invoice we received yesterday.”
Morgan frowned, opening the Henderson folder on her computer. “Which invoice specifically, Mr. Henderson?”
“The supplemental photography charge. Fifteen thousand dollars for additional product shots that we never authorized.”
The knot in Morgan’s stomach tightened. “I’m sorry, but I’m not familiar with that invoice. We completed the photography for your campaign last month, and the invoice was sent at that time and received in full.”
“Well, someone from your company sent another one yesterday. It has your signature on the approval line.”
Morgan’s blood ran cold. “My signature?”
“Yes, right here. The electronic approval shows it came from your account. But I never discussed additional photography with you or anyone else at Vertex.”
“You’re absolutely right Mr. Henderson and I can assure you I never approved any additional charges,” Morgan said, her mind racing. “Can you please forward me the invoice you received?”
“Already sent it to your email,” he replied tersely. “I’ve been working with Vertex for eight years, Ms. Reeves. I expect an explanation by the end of the day.”
“Absolutely. I’ll look into this immediately and get back to you.”
After they hung up, Morgan quickly checked her email. The forwarded invoice appeared legitimate after inspection—Vertex letterhead, proper formatting, her digital signature at the bottom. But she had never seen this document before, let alone approved it.
As she studied the details, Richard appeared in her doorway, his expression unreadable.
“Problem?” he asked, nodding toward her computer screen.
