I stepped out of my townhouse and took a moment to bask in the warm June sun, tempered by a light breeze. Soon, the summer heat will come, and it’ll be unbearable to be outside. I got in my car and went to work. Traffic was surprisingly light for this beautiful Thursday, which is unusual. I made it to work earlier than usual.

I greeted security on my way to the elevators. Getting off on the eighth floor, I greeted the couple of personal assistants who were in early to prep for the day, just like me. I pulled out the heels I keep in the bottom drawer of my desk, turned on my computer and went to the break room for coffee.

Settling back at my desk, I got to work. I reviewed today’s schedule and prepared the client files. I left them on my assistant’s desk for her to review and handle. Before I knew it, the office officially opened, and the phone began to ring.

“Law offices of Harrington and Sons.” I greeted the caller. “You have reached divorce lawyer Bill Caldwell’s office.”

“I wish to confirm my appointment with Mr. Caldwell.” The woman on the other end said. “It should be at ten am this morning.”

I turned my attention to Bill’s calendar. “Mrs. Davies?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I have you on Mr. Caldwell’s for ten this morning.”

“Good, good.” She let out a sigh of relief. “Is there anything I need to bring?”

“Today is only a consultation. Mr. Caldwell will ask you some questions and collect some information so he can better assess your situation.” I explained. “He’ll also discuss with you the process. Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with Mr. Caldwell, you are free to seek counsel elsewhere.”

“Thank you. I look forward to meeting Mr. Caldwell.”

I hung up and smiled at my assistant, who had settled into her desk across from mine. “Good morning, June.”

“Morning, Anya.”

“I put three files on your desk. Verify the information and greet the clients as they come in.”

“Of course.”

“Start with Mrs. Davies, she’ll be here in less than an hour, and today is her first consultation.”

She nodded and got to work. I fielded phone calls and confirmed or made appointments. Bill saw two clients before lunch. I took my lunch with other personal assistants in the building. When I returned, June took her lunch, and I greeted Bill’s last scheduled client for the day.

When she left, Steven from the fourth floor accounting stepped up to my desk. He looked nervous as he held a file folder in his hands.

“Hi Steven.” I smiled at him. “What are you doing up here?”

“I came across some inconsistencies for this department. And, um, I wanted to bring it to your attention.”

“You could have emailed me the report.”

“I know.” He smiled sheepishly. “But then I wouldn’t have been able to see your face.”

I softened my smile from one of a professional to a more personal and intimate one. “I appreciate it.”

There was a beat between us before I heard the ding of the elevator. Steven broke eye contact, cleared his throat, and then handed me the file.

“Okay.” I took the file from him. “What inconsistencies did you find?”

“The reports you send me don’t correspond with what is actually in Mr. Caldwell’s accounts.”

I frowned, opening the file. “I don’t understand.”

Steven returned the frown. “The numbers don’t lie. The account is lower than it should be. It’s subtle right now, so I haven’t brought this to my boss’s attention yet.”

“Thanks, Steven.” I closed the file and stood. “I’ll look into this and get back to you.”

“Anya.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you want to grab a coffee after work?”

I stared into his kind brown eyes. Steven and I have been on a handful of coffee dates in the past few months. He’s good-looking and nice. Any girl would be happy to be with him, except me. If I’m going to have a man in my life, I want someone who will excite my nerve endings and make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. Steven isn’t that man.

“Sure.” I agreed. “Coffee sounds nice.”

“Great.” He smiled. “I’ll come back up later to pick you up.”

“Don’t do that. I’ll come down to your floor at the end of the day.”

“See you in a few hours.”

I watched him leave. June caught my eye and grinned.

“He likes you.” June said.

“I’m aware.” I acknowledged.

Her brows furrowed. “But you don’t?”

“There’s nothing wrong with Steven.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “This is not a conversation we’re going to have here at work.”

“Understood.” June sobered, turning her attention back to her computer.

I felt the slightest pang of guilt. June and I have gotten close these past three years since she became my assistant. The only topic I have never discussed with her is my love life, or lack thereof, and I intend to keep it that way.

Turning on my heel, I walked to Bill’s office. Knocking on the open door to announce my presence, I entered and closed the door behind me. He didn’t even look up from whatever he was doing. Something had his enraptured attention. Walking up to his desk, I dropped the file in front of him, startling him and forcing him to look up.

“Anya.” He looked back down at the file. “What is this?”

“You tell me.”

“You dropped it on my desk.”

I flipped it open. “Finances showing an inconsistency in your business account.”

Bill gulped. “What kind of inconsistency?”

“The actual numbers are lower than the reports June submits.”

“Then talk to your assistant.” He pushed the file away. “Clearly, this is her mistake.”

“Don’t you dare blame June.” I snapped. “I go over her impeccable work before it goes to accounting. This inconsistency can only be coming from you.”

“That’s impossible. Have accounting rerun the numbers. There must be a glitch.”

“Bill.”

I said his name with a disappointed tone. Bill flinched and refused to look me in the eye.

“Seven years, Bill.” I pushed off his desk and came around to crouch at eye level. “I have been with you since the beginning. Tell me the truth about what’s going on. Why are you stealing company money?”

“Borrowed.” He mumbled under his breath.

I didn’t dignify that with an answer. Instead, I waited for a proper response. If he doesn’t give me a suitable answer, I’ll have to report him. Actually, I should report Bill either way. When it appeared that I was never going to get an answer, I stood.

Bill grabbed my hand in a panic, his eyes wide and pleading. “You have to help me.”

I could hear a desperation in his voice. “What did you do?”

“Not here.” He tugged me down and spoke in a conspiratory tone. “Seven o’clock. I’ll pick you up.”

“Bill.” I pulled my hand away and stepped back.

“Black tie, Anya.”