iumphant smirk was the last thing Eileen saw before the door clicked

was trying for a reassuring smile, but it didn't reach his anxious eyes. He p

learing his throat. "After a thorough emergency review by our technical department, we'

t were a real glitch, they would have contacted her immediately, not wait

ction. "Your name, Miss Goff, was erroneously linked with M

was used to people who were either hysterical or gree

rawer and retrieved a crisp file folder and a slim

his error has caused, the federal system is prepare

million dollars. All you have to do is sign this match-ca

mill

ic, heavy rhythm against her ribs. One million dollars. It was an impossible sum. It was freedo

k into the anonymity she knew. Or refuse, and step on

-

ison Butler listened, his face impassive. The voice of his assi

hey're offering her a million dollars to sign a cancellatio

ed through Harrison's eyes. He looked out at t

her," he said, his

ored suit jacket. "Cole," he said to the mountain of a

-

vison saw the flicker of conflict in E

h false sincerity. "You get the money, and Mr. Butler's l

arm of the chair. Her mind was a whirlwind of fear a

was a system error, why do you need my signature on a 'cance

his face. He hadn't expected that

quirement," he stammered

wasn't a glitch. This was a transaction.

being pushed around, of being told she was worthless. A spark of rebellion,

eal, tangible escape. Was a momen

round the cool plastic of the pen on the de

all, wired-glass window in the door, Eileen could se

of the pen hovered just above the signature

AC

lew open, slamming against the wall with enough

apped towards

. He wasn't a man; he was a storm contained in a b