Page 117 of Collateral Love
Miles finally spoke. “That’s not sustainable. If they escalate subpoenas?—”
“They won’t,” I cut in.
He paused. “Why not?”
“Because Cameron’s not ready,” I said. “This is calibration. She’s mapping reactions.”
Xavier nodded. “She’s waiting for someone to blink.”
Silence settled.
Then Joel spoke carefully. “Sir… there’s something else.”
I turned.
“Cameron’s firm just hired an outside forensic accountant,” he said. “Guess who recommended him.”
Miles didn’t look up.
Xavier did.
“Miles,” Xavier said calmly. “Why don’t you tell us about that.”
Miles looked surprised. Too rehearsed.
“He’s good,” Miles replied. “Independent. Clean.”
“Independent from who?” I asked.
Miles smiled. “Everyone.”
I stepped closer.
“You’ve been very helpful,” I said quietly. “But help without alignment becomes interference.”
His smile thinned. “You saying I’m not aligned?”
“I’m saying pressure reveals shape,” I replied. “And yours just shifted.”
Channy crossed her arms. “You leaking?”
Miles scoffed. “That’s offensive.”
Xavier didn’t raise his voice. “So is coincidence.”
The room held.
I didn’t accuse.
Didn’t threaten.
That wasn’t how you caught snakes.
“You’re staying on,” I said instead. “But nothing moves without cross-check.”
Miles nodded slowly. “Of course.”
He left shortly after.
