Chapter 1 The Desk

VioletThe phone starts screaming at 7:58 a.m., which is exactly when it always does—like it knows the building is awake and it’s time to ruin someone’s life.It’s my job to make sure that someone isn’t Rowan Ashcroft.“Ashcroft Industries, good morning,” I say, already typing with my free hand, already scanning the calendar, already watching the elevator bank like it’s a countdown clock. “How may I direct your call?”“I need Mr. Ashcroft. Immediately.”Of course you do.