The afternoon light through the brownstone windows turns everything golden, but I can't shake the cold settling in my bones.
My laptop screen glows with half-finished job applications and cover letters that sound hollow, even to me. Experienced financial analyst seeking opportunities... Who am I kidding? My last position ended with federal investigations and dead bodies.
I close the browser and open a blank document instead. If no one will hire me, I'll hire myself.
Katherine Blaire Consulting: Corporate Risk Assessment & Compliance.
The cursor blinks. Waiting.
I've spent six years learning how money moves through legitimate channels. And the last few months learning how it moves through illegitimate ones. Companies terrified of accidentally laundering cartel money or managing offshore accounts that trigger federal audits - they'd pay good money for someone who understands both worlds.
My phone buzzes. Elliot's name flashes across the screen with a video call request.
