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add up. It’s probably a matter of simple human error, but I’m surprised that it would find its way into Ashton’s final, year-end report.”
    â€œYes, that is surprising.” I drummed my fingers on the arm of the chair, recalling, “Ashton Mills routinely subjects its accounting to an independent, external audit—precisely to eliminate the possibility of ‘human error.’”
    â€œMark,” said Perry, leaning into the conversation again, “if this isn’t a red flag, I don’t know what is.”
    â€œIt bears looking into,” I agreed.
    â€œLooking into?” Perry’s milky eyes widened. “If you ask me, this could be the tip of the iceberg, and we should be extremely wary of the rush to merge.”
    â€œNow, hold on,” I said, raising both hands in a calming gesture. “This merger hasn’t been rushed in the least; it’s been in the works for nearly a year. Don’t forget, both companies—both boards—have shown great enthusiasm for the merger, which is based on sound business reasons.” I rattled off the points that had been covered in the press release.
    But I neglected to mention that one of the most appealing aspects of the joint venture was related to Quatro’s executive suite. By combining forces with Ashton and sharing management resources, Quatro would be inheriting the dynamic Gillian Reece, who seemed far better equipped than Perry Schield to face the daunting business challenges that lay ahead. I wasn’t sure whether Perry himself realized that the merger had been compelled by his own lackluster leadership. Either way, he would soon retire, walking away wealthy.
    I turned to the accountant. “Tyler? What’s your honest assessment—do these findings amount to a deal-breaker?”
    â€œGosh, no. At least not yet. I need to do more digging. Most important, I have questions about Ashton’s accounting practices, and I need to get answers. Fast.”
    Perry coughed. “I’m thick with their CFO—met him at the club,
and we’ve played a few rounds of golf together. Maybe I could help set up a meeting.”
    â€œForget the financial guy,” I said, trying not to sound too dismissive. “Tyler, I think you should go straight to the top. Time is running short, and there’s a lot at stake. Gillian rose through the ranks as a crack accountant, so I’m sure she knows Ashton’s books inside and out. If you’ve discovered inconsistencies, she’ll want to be the first to know the details.”
    Tyler hesitated. “I’m not so sure, Mark. I’ve always found her to be somewhat, well … frosty.”
    â€œThat may be true”—I couldn’t help chuckling—“but she’s first and foremost a businessperson. If you have questions, she’ll have the answers. There’s surely a logical explanation.”
    Tyler heaved a sigh, then tossed his hands. “All right. I’ll try to set something up.”
    â€œI’ll be seeing her this afternoon. Want me to broach this for you?”
    Tyler’s features brightened some. “Yes, actually.”
    Perry cleared his throat. “Careful, Tyler. She’s a handful.”
    â€œYes, sir. I’ve noticed.”

Chapter Three
    T uesday had all the makings of a slow news day. It had peaked early, with the worrisome concerns expressed during Perry Schield and Tyler Pennell’s visit, but otherwise, I found little else to occupy my time or my mind as the hours slid noonward. Even the morning mail proved humdrum. After one too many strolls through the newsroom, having exhausted all reasonable options for chitchat, I could tell that the staff was beginning to feel pestered, wondering why I wasn’t huddled in an important meeting somewhere.
    So shortly after eleven, I decided to get some fresh air. I would walk the few blocks to Neil’s office, drop in