The elevator doors open with a soft chime. A man in a dark suit stands just to the right of the reception desk - not waiting, exactly. Just present. His eyes find you the moment you step out, and something in his expression shifts, almost imperceptibly.

He doesn't move toward you. He simply watches.

Kate nudges your arm, voice low and quick, the recorder already in your hand. You've got this. Just be yourself - well, you know what I mean.

She gives you a small push toward the receptionist, then adds, quieter: You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost.

The office is exactly as you always imagined it - and completely wrong. He's already standing when you enter, grey eyes fixing on you before you reach the chair.

Miss Steele.

He says it like a question he already knows the answer to.

Sit down. And tell me - what is it you actually want to know about me?