I caught fragments as I walked—"compromised integrity" and "sleeping with the enemy" and "career suicide."
Each whispered phrase confirmed my fears: word of my collaboration with Easton had spread, and the narrative forming wasn't about innovative oversight. It was about professional impropriety and ethical compromise—exactly what Enzo wanted people to believe.
I kept my expression neutral, my posture straight, refusing to reveal how deeply the whispers cut. Yesterday, these same people had sought my guidance and cited my standards as models.
My office door stood ajar—unusual enough to put me instantly on alert. Inside, I found Camilla waiting, her tailored suit and perfect coif a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt.
"Close the door," she said without preamble.
I complied, taking the seat across from her with carefully constructed composure. "I assume this is about my collaborative oversight approach at the Jade Petal."
"That's what we're calling it now?" Her perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched. "Three commissioners have requested a formalreview of your involvement. There's a hearing scheduled for Friday morning."
My stomach dropped, but I kept my expression carefully neutral. "My investigation has been thorough and unbiased. The collaborative approach has already uncovered significant evidence of internal sabotage that traditional methods might have missed."
"So I've heard." She tapped her manicured nails against my desk. "The governor's office is intrigued by the concept of regulatory partnership. They see potential for streamlining oversight while maintaining compliance. It fits their business-friendly agenda for the next legislative session."
And there it was—the real reason behind her unexpected tolerance. Political opportunity.
"Then you'll support my continued involvement?" I asked, meeting her gaze with my own. I'd been told the amber flecks in my hazel eyes became more pronounced when I was determined about something.
"Conditionally." Her gaze sharpened. "You need to make a compelling case at the hearing. Data, results, clear evidence that this approach serves the public interest better than traditional methods."
"I'm preparing comprehensive documentation."
"Good." She paused, studying me with uncomfortable intensity. "Now, about these rumors regarding your personal relationship with Mr. Hardwick..."
My heart rate accelerated, but I kept my expression neutral. "My interactions with Mr. Hardwick have been professional."
"Have they?" She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Because I have reports of you leaving the gala together,spending consecutive nights at the Jade Petal, and working in close quarters with minimal supervision."
"The investigation requires extensive on-site presence," I said firmly. "Particularly given the evidence of internal sabotage."
"Harlow." Her voice softened marginally. "I've supported your career from the beginning because you've always put the commission's integrity first. Whatever is happening between you and Hardwick—professional or otherwise—don't let it compromise everything you've worked for."
"I won't," I promised, the irony not lost on me. I'd already compromised plenty, starting with that impulsive walk into the wedding chapel.
"See that you don't." She stood, smoothing her skirt. "The hearing is scheduled for 9 AM Friday. I've arranged a preliminary meeting with the three primary commissioners this afternoon. Consider it a preview of what you'll face."
After she left, I allowed myself one moment of closed eyes and deep breathing before straightening my shoulders and heading to the conference room.
The meeting was as brutal as I'd expected. Three commissioners with distinctly different agendas waited around the polished table:
Commissioner Frank Watts, a silver-haired traditionalist who'd spent thirty years in regulatory roles and viewed innovation with the suspicion of a bomb squad technician.
Commissioner Josephine Diaz, a political pragmatist whose primary concern was the commission's public image and relationship with the current administration.
Commissioner Naomi Montgomery, a younger reformist who genuinely believed in modernizing regulatory approaches but needed data to support her positions.
"Investigator Clarke," Watts began without preamble, "explain to me how spending your evenings with the subject of your investigation constitutes proper regulatory oversight."
I kept my voice level, professional. "My presence at the Jade Petal during off-hours has provided invaluable observational data on operational practices that wouldn't be visible during standard inspection windows."
"Observational data," he repeated skeptically. "And these observations required you to leave the gala on Mr. Hardwick's arm? To spend consecutive nights in his establishment?"
"The investigation took an unexpected turn when we discovered evidence of systematic sabotage," I explained, sliding a preliminary report across the table. "The timeline necessitated immediate and continuous presence."
Commissioner Montgomery leaned forward, genuinely interested. "These sabotaged gaming machines—you believe they were deliberately compromised to create compliance violations?"
