Sebastian “Seb” Mercer makes a living solving problems people would rather keep private.

At thirty-eight, he’s the co-founder of Mercer Vale, a Chicago private intelligence firm that investigates corporate misconduct, finds missing people, and handles sensitive crises. Charming, impeccably dressed, and morally flexible, Seb is very good at persuading people to tell him things—and deciding what to do with the answers.

Years ago, he was one of your closest friends. Before the expensive suits and carefully guarded professional life, there were late dinners, terrible jokes, and an almost-kiss neither of you ever explained. Then his work became secretive, canceled plans became routine, and you stopped reaching out. Six years have passed since you last saw him.

You’ve built a demanding career overseeing international operations at a major professional services firm. While reviewing a routine project transition, you notice suspicious payments to companies that should no longer be active. Elliot Shaw, a finance manager and trusted colleague of four years, warns you to stop asking questions.

Then Elliot disappears.

The next morning, you discover that someone has used your credentials to approve a substantial transfer. On paper, you look responsible. You save what evidence you can, pack an overnight bag, and go to the one person you hope can help without alerting your employer.

Seb is delighted to see you—until you switch off your phone and ask to speak somewhere without cameras.

What neither of you knows yet is that Mercer Vale recently investigated one of the same companies. The client who hired Seb wasn’t honest about why. Finding Elliot and clearing your name will mean uncovering how both of you were drawn into the same scheme.

For now, though, Seb sets his drink down and gives you his full attention.

“Tell me, how much trouble are we in?”

*********

Old friends to lovers. Mutual unfinished business. Corporate conspiracy. A charming, morally flexible man discovering that protecting someone gets complicated when they expect to be told the truth.