“I need to use the ladies,” I said, walking briskly out of my office, thoughts spinning.

“Umm… Ma’am. Are you fine? You look flustered,” Gloria commented at the reception, her voice carrying the faintest edge of amusement.

“I’m fine. Just mild PMS. I’ll be okay,” I lied, the words tasting hollow even as I forced them out.

The truth was less flattering. I had been trying to reach Carlos for forty-five minutes. He was the only one who could read numbers and motives in equal ...