Page 111 of Silence and Surrender

After she left, I allowed myself exactly thirty seconds to appreciate her signal. To mentally acknowledge our silent alliance.

The boardroom remained unchanged—polished mahogany and high-backed leather chairs. But I knew better now. Knew what kind of deals were brokered in here. The same faces turned to watch me enter, though their expressions held new calculation.

“Colton.” Richard Montgomery, board chairman, gestured to my usual seat. “Welcome back. I trust your time away was...restorative?”

“Very.” I settled into the leather chair, noting the changes in security positioning. Two guards by the main door instead of one. Another watching from the mezzanine above. “Though I appreciate the board’s patience with my sudden departure.”

“Family must come first,” Rodger said from his position three seats down.

“Indeed.” I opened my laptop with steady hands. “Shall we begin?”

Montgomery nodded to his assistant, and the lights dimmed for the presentation. Shipping manifests appeared on the main screen, more art acquisitions that didn’t exist.

“As you can see,” Rodger began, his voice carrying the authority of a man accustomed to power, “our art division has continued operations despite certain personnel changes.”

I wanted to reach for the ceramic knife concealed beneath my jacket. Instead, I studied the documents with professional detachment.

“Impressive volume,” I noted with apparent admiration. “The department has been busy in my absence.”

Several board members relaxed slightly at my seemingly positive response. I mentally noted Thomas Fortescue’s knowing glance at Rodger. Over half the board involved.

Rodger’s smile widened.

“We’ve had to adapt quickly,” he said smoothly. “And implement new procedures to ensure proper documentation going forward.”

“Adaptation is essential in our business,” I agreed, making casual notes on my laptop. “Have the new authentication procedures been working well?”

“We’ve engaged several external experts.” Montgomery’s voice carried just a hint of warning. “Given recent...staffing adjustments.”

The reminder of Isabella’s “disappearance” hung heavy in the air. I kept my expression neutral, with just the right amount of appropriate regret.

“A sensible approach,” I said supportively. “I’m sure they’ve been thorough.”

“The buyers are quite eager to complete these transactions,” Rodger said, his tone still carrying an edge of suspicion beneath the collegiality.

“As they should be. These are exceptional pieces.” I met his gaze with nothing but professional interest. “I’d be happy to review any documentation that might help expedite matters. Just to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

The tension in his eyes remained, though his smile held. “Your dedication to your department is admirable, Colton. Particularly after your time away.”

“The bank’s interests remain my priority,” I replied simply. I glanced at the temperature control specifications on one manifest, memorizing the details while appearing merely curious. “I see we’re still using the specialized climate control protocols. Excellent—consistency is important.”

The room remained wary but no longer tensed for conflict. The guards relaxed their stances slightly.

“Standard procedures,” Montgomery confirmed with a nod. “For preservation of delicate merchandise.”

“Of course.” I made another note, nothing that would raise suspicions. “I’ve always admired our attention to detail.”

“Our procedures are quite thorough,” Rodger said, the hardness in his voice slightly diminished by my apparent cooperation.

“It’s why we’ve remained industry leaders.” I closed my laptop without any dramatic gesture. “I look forward to getting fully up to speed in the coming days.”

Some of the tension dissipated from the room, though watchfulness remained.

“Well,” Montgomery concluded with evident relief, “I believe that covers the major items. Unless there are other concerns?”

I gathered my papers and pocketed them in my briefcase. “Nothing urgent. I’ll just need to catch up on the server logs and documentation I’ve missed. Standard procedure, of course.”

“Of course.” Rodger’s smile remained sharp, but less overtly hostile. “My office will coordinate with yours regarding access protocols. Given your extended absence.”

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