Chapter 8: Unwitting Delivery

👉 Previous Decision: You successfully retrieved the Master Audio Backup Tapes from the Sub-Level 4 mainframe vault.

The next morning, the corporate floor buzzed with an unusual energy. Special Agent Harrison Drew, a federal Department of Defense auditor, had arrived. He was a man with a stiff posture and an even stiffer gaze, flanked by two junior agents. They were here for the financial records. My opportunity had arrived.

I found Evelyn Cross at her desk, meticulously stacking folders for the auditors. She still seemed a little shell-shocked from her recent involvement with Silas Gable’s ledgers.

“Evelyn,” I said, approaching her desk with a reassuring smile. “Agent Drew needs these specific quarterly reports. From the ‘Overseer’ project files.”

I handed her a thick folder. Inside, I had carefully placed the photocopies of the suspicious offshore transactions I’d discovered in the ledger, along with a discreet, micro-ciphered note referencing “Project Nightingale” and the date of my memory wipe.

She blinked, surprised. “But Mr. Gable said these were… for internal review only.”

“Internal review *by the federal auditors*,” I corrected, keeping my voice firm but calm. “It’s a high-priority request directly from Agent Drew. He specifically asked for the ‘Overseer’ quarterly. Marcus wants to ensure full transparency, especially for his pet projects.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “He’s very proud of the ‘Overseer’ initiative. Thinks it could net AetherTech millions.”

Evelyn, looking flustered but eager to please, nodded. “Of course, Mr. Pendelton. I’ll take them right in.” She gathered the folder, her smaller hands struggling with its bulk.

“And,” I added, as she turned, “make sure you highlight that $200,000 entry. The one tied to my retainer. Marcus is using that as a prime example of a successful ‘Overseer’ investment. Wants Agent Drew to see the immediate return.”

A flicker of confusion crossed her face, but she didn’t question it. “The $200,000. Yes, I remember.” She walked away, a stack of files clutched in her arms, completely unaware of the damning evidence she was about to place directly into the hands of federal investigators.

I watched her go, a knot of tension in my stomach loosening slightly. The first domino had fallen. The offshore transactions, now linked directly to my contract, were on their way to Agent Drew. The seeds of doubt had been planted. Now, I just needed to ensure the master tapes found their way to the light.

➡️ Read CHAPTER 9 to continue the story.