The work was ordinary.
That afternoon, ordinary felt like a form of shelter.
At 4:17 p.m., Naomi's phone vibrated in her locker.
The message came from an unknown number.
You should stop asking questions about the waterfront project.
She read it once.
Then again.
There was no name, no explanation, and no indication of how the sender had obtained her number.
She took a screenshot.
A second message arrived.
You have already been paid. Leave it alone.
Naomi's stomach tightened.
She looked around the empty staff room.
For a moment, the fluorescent lights seemed unusually bright. The hum of the refrigerator became the only sound she could hear.
She thought of Victor's warning that she might regret refusing his offer.
She thought of the anonymous message she had received after her first meeting with Richard.
She thought of the abrupt suspension.
Three separate events did not establish a conspiracy. The messages could have come from someone who was angry, someone who misunderstood her role, or someone trying to frighten her into silence.
But the messages were specific enough that she could not dismiss them.
She took another screenshot and saved both messages.
Then she sent a short email to Richard and Margaret Ellis, the company's general counsel, informing them that she had received unsolicited communications referring to the project.
She did not accuse anyone.
She simply asked whether the company knew of any reason her personal contact information might have been distributed beyond the individuals involved in the engagement.
She also decided to speak with an attorney before taking any further action.
That evening, she contacted a legal aid service that offered consultations for workers dealing with professional retaliation and contractual disputes.
She explained the situation without exaggeration.
The attorney who returned her call, a woman named Patricia Gomez, listened carefully.
“Do you have evidence that the messages came from someone associated with the company?” Patricia asked.
“No.”
“Do you have evidence that your assignment was suspended because of the report?”
“I have the communications from Richard. They say the engagement is suspended while the company reviews the scope of work. Victor previously complained about the report, but nobody has formally stated that the report caused the suspension.”
“Good. Keep those distinctions clear.”
Naomi almost smiled.
“I intend to.”
“Have you published anything about the project?”
“No.”
“Have you shared confidential documents outside the authorized recipients?”
“No.”
“Then continue doing neither. Preserve the messages, preserve your contract, and do not contact anyone you suspect may be responsible. If the messages become threatening or continue, we can discuss the appropriate next steps.”
“Thank you.”
“And one more thing,” Patricia said. “Do not let anyone persuade you that you must either expose everything immediately or remain silent forever. There are lawful ways to raise concerns. We can determine which ones apply after we understand the facts.”
Naomi wrote that down.
It was the first advice she had received in days that made the situation feel manageable.
She did not need to win an argument with Victor Hale.
She needed to protect herself, preserve her records, and ensure that any legitimate concerns were handled through appropriate channels.
That was enough for now.
At 8:36 p.m., Henry Lin called.
Naomi nearly let the phone ring out.
She was tired, and she did not want another conversation about the project.
But she answered.
“Hello, Mr. Lin.”
“Ms. Carter. I hope I am not disturbing you.”
“Not at all.”
“I have been informed that your consulting assignment has been suspended.”
Naomi hesitated.
“Who told you?”
“Richard Cole.”
“I see.”
“He said the company is reviewing its internal procedures.”
“That is what I was told.”
Henry was quiet for a moment.
“May I ask whether the review has resolved the questions you raised?”
“No.”
“Have they provided evidence that your findings were incorrect?”
“Not to me.”
“Have you withdrawn your report?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Naomi frowned.
“Mr. Lin, I want to be careful about this. I don't know what has happened inside Hale Urban Holdings, and I don't want to make accusations based on incomplete information.”
“I appreciate that.”
“I also can't provide you with confidential company documents outside the terms of my agreement.”
“I would not ask you to do so.”
“Then what would you like from me?”
Henry answered without hesitation.
“Your professional opinion, limited to what you were authorized to review.”
Naomi looked at the folder on her desk.
“I have already provided a preliminary assessment to the investment committee.”
“Yes. We received it.”
“Then you have my findings.”
“We do. But I wanted to ask whether you would be willing to clarify them if our independent advisers have questions.”
Naomi thought about it.
“If the questions concern my report, and the discussion is arranged through the proper channels, I would be willing to clarify my reasoning.”
“Thank you.”
She waited.
Henry's voice became more serious.
“I also want you to know that we have not made a decision about the investment.”
“I understand.”
“We are not trying to punish Mr. Hale. We are trying to determine whether the project is viable under the terms presented to us.”
“That is reasonable.”
“And if the review confirms that the project is viable, we may proceed.”
Naomi nodded, even though he could not see her.
“That is reasonable too.”
Henry continued.
“However, if the information we received is incomplete, we need to know before committing the money.”
“Agreed.”
He paused.
“Ms. Carter, may I tell you something about our approach to business?”
“Of course.”