“I know you’ve both had a terrible experience and I want to extend my deepest apologies on behalf of Orsk. I also want to assure you guys that whatever happened in there tonight, no one’s looking to assign any blame to employees or management. All our losses are covered, okay? Basil? You understand me?”

“Thank you,” Basil said.

“Orsk is a family,” Pat said. “We take care of one another. The Consultant Team wants you to know this isn’t the end of your journey with Orsk. In fact, it’s only the beginning. There are two openings—good openings—at the regional office. It’s in Pennsylvania, but they pay for relocation and either one of you would be a great fit. Or both of you.”

“We’re getting promotions?” Basil asked.

“They’re desk jobs, but they’re salaried, with full benefits.” Pat pressed a business card into Basil’s hand. Written on the back was a non-Orsk e-mail address. “This is from Tom Larsen himself. He’ll be reaching out personally in the next twenty-four hours.”

“I don’t understand,” Basil said.

“The only thing we ask,” Pat said, “is that you don’t speak to the media. Not for a while. They won’t understand what happened here and it’ll only lead to confusion. We’re going to do a full investigation. We will speak to the architect and the contractors. When we know what happened, we’ll share it with you. And when it’s time to talk to the press, Orsk will make sure that you guys have good people by your side, people who understand how the media works and how to position your statements. We’re going to do right by the two of you, and by Ruth Anne’s family.”

“And Matt and Trinity,” Amy said.

“Well, that’s something different,” Pat said. “I know you guys say they were here, but I’m sure tonight has been very confusing, and it was probably hard to know exactly what was going on. They weren’t on the clock, you know.”

“They were here,” Amy said.

“I know you believe that,” Pat said. “But this situation is challenging enough without adding more people to the mix. Let’s not start making up things that sound worse.”

“They were here,” Amy repeated. “I saw them. I dragged Trinity halfway through the store. I spoke to Matt. I’m not crazy.”

“No one’s saying you are,” Pat said. “But what we’re wondering is that if they weren’t on the clock, and if Basil wasn’t paying them, are they really our responsibility? Here you go, Amy.”

He held out a second business card. It bore the same address handwritten on the back. Amy felt something building inside her chest, and when she spoke her voice was cold.

“So we just keep quiet and we keep our jobs?” she asked.

“Better jobs,” Pat said. “It’s a win-win.”