After taking these precautions, Danielle felt a little better. She was about to pack up for the day when her phone rang again.
The name on the screen—Harold Chapman—made her frown.
Harold was one of the liaisons for the drone project. Their interactions had always been strictly professional, with almost no personal contact. Why would he be calling her now?
She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Mr. Chapman, good evening. Is this about work?"
"Good evening, Chief Engineer Crawford," Harold's voice was smooth and unreadable. "Nothing work-related. I was just thinking that everyone's been working so hard on the project lately. I was wondering if you might be free for a late supper, just to unwind and chat."
Danielle's guard went up immediately.
She knew Harold was Nathan's right-hand man. They had worked together for years and were close. With Nathan's malevolent intentions just coming to light, this sudden invitation from Harold was anything but simple.
They had nothing to talk about outside of work.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Chapman, but I'm quite tired tonight. I think I'll just head home and rest," Danielle said politely.
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Harold's calm voice returned, now laced with a subtle hint of persuasion.
"Don't be so quick to refuse, Chief Engineer Crawford."
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Nathan."
But she didn't dare take the gamble. Given Harold's loyalty to Nathan, there was no telling if he was being truthful.
"Mr. Chapman, if there's something to discuss, we can do it during work hours, in front of the entire project team," Danielle said, her voice steady and calm. "Discussing these things in private doesn't seem appropriate."
"Besides, I trust Mr. Davidson completely. I'm sure he has no ulterior motives. Perhaps you've misunderstood."
She played dumb, neither fully accepting nor completely rejecting his offer, leaving herself an out.
Harold chuckled, as if he had expected her response. "You're a cautious one, Chief Engineer Crawford."
"However, some things are not meant for public discussion. If you change your mind, you have my number."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell