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“Except for one very important thing that Icantell you, and that I wanted you to hear from me. I’m heading up the audit.”

Kate took a moment, trying to comprehend. “Isn’t that some kind of conflict of interest?”

“That’s what I said when the section chief gave me the assignment. But a company can waive a conflict of interest like this.”

“My father is okay with you leading a cyber audit of his company?”

“More than okay. You father is the reason I got the assignment. He specifically requested that I lead the audit.”

“That’s just wrong,” said Kate, but she quickly softened it. “Not that I’m saying you would cut him any kind of break or anything like that.”

“We both know that’s literally not in my DNA.”

“Well, maybe notliterally, in a genetic sense. But I take your point.”

“Seriously, it’s genetic. Did I ever tell you about my fourth-grade teacher?”

“I don’t think so.”

“I had at least a B-plus in the class, possibly an A. She gave me a D. You know why?”

“Sounds like she didn’t like you.”

“Shelovedme. I was always my mother’s favorite child.”

“Your mother gave you a D when you deserved an A?”

“Mom didn’t want anyone to think she was playing favorites. So she gave me a bad grade.”

“That’s harsh.”

“Yes. And to be clear, I’m not saying I’ll be harder on Buck than I should be with this audit. But I won’t cut anyone any breaks.”

“This whole arrangement is still awkward, Noah. Can’t you tell your boss no?”

“I pushed back as much as I could. I flat-out asked him to pick someone else. He basically told me to put on my big-boy pants and act like a lawyer.”

“Meaning what?”

“He said, ‘What would you like me to do, Noah? Tell Mr. Gamble that, notwithstanding his request, you’ve decided that a relationship with his daughter that ended two years ago should stand between you and your ability to do your job?’”

“That is putting you in a tough spot.”

“No kidding. How else was I supposed to respond to a question like that? It’s beentwoyears. It’s not like I could say, ‘Well, it’s over between us, but it’s not really over.’”

“No. You couldn’t say that.”

“Because it is over. Right?”

“Yes. Definitely. Over.”

The silence seemed to hang in the space between them.

“Then there’s no problem, I suppose,” said Noah.

“No. No problem at all.”

“So that’s where it is.”

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