The phone started buzzing at 5:45 AM. It was on the nightstand, vibrating against the wood, a persistent insect sound that cut through the silence of the bedroom. I reached for it before the second vibration. I knew who it was. David didn't sleep when there was a crisis.
"Tell me," I said. My voice was raspy. I hadn't drunk water since yesterday evening.
"Bank A issued a cease and desist," David said. He sounded awake, caffeinated, and stressed. "They're claiming defamation. They're threatening to sue the foundation for damages. They're also contacting our auditors."
"Damages based on what?" I asked. I sat up. The sheets fell away. The room was cold. Marcus stirred beside me but didn't wake.
"Based on 'reputational harm'," David said. "They're claiming our report caused a drop in their
