Raymond finished with the papers and turned his cart toward the hallway.

"Raymond." Catherine's voice stopped him. "Wait."

He turned back. She stood and crossed the room to him. The remaining board members watched in confused silence.

"You were looking at those financials," she said quietly, stepping into the hallway. "What did you see?"

Raymond glanced past her at Derek, who was watching with narrowed eyes, then back to Catherine. "Ma'am, I'm just cleaning the staff." "I don't think I'm asking what you saw." Derek laughed loudly from the table. "Catherine, you cannot be serious."

She ignored him. "Your name?" "Cole. Raymond Cole." "Mr. Cole. You looked at those numbers for maybe ten seconds, then you reacted. What was it?"

Eighteen years of knowing his place fought eighteen years of being right. Raymond took a slow breath.

"The cash flow," Raymond said softly, his voice steady. "Negative. Growing more negative while revenue grows positive." "You caught that in ten seconds?" "Yes, ma'am. It's a pattern. I've seen it before."

Derek's laugh turned ugly as he stormed over. "Seen it before? Where? In the trash bags?"

Raymond stayed quiet. Catherine pulled out a sleek, heavy business card and extended it toward the janitor. "I want to speak with you privately tomorrow. 9:00 AM. Possible?"