Prologue

Spencer relaxed his posture and circled the desk where he curiously looked over Matthew's shoulder.

The boss pointed to the crossword puzzle on the screen. "See this, at the bottom here?"

Spencer frowned. "Five across," he said.

"That's the one I just figured out."

"That's what I came to tell you. I've been working this blasted puzzle like you asked me to do. Don't you think that one's a little harsh?"

"Change it to five down," Matthew returned without answering the question.

"I get it now. Death wouldn't be across."

"That's right."

"Still...."
Matthew leaned back in the leather chair to admire his work. "It's not what you think. In fact, it's not a bad thing at all. The word simply fits. A five-letter word meaning 'the end of something' is death. Am I right?"

"And here I thought we were creating a crossword puzzle just for the fun of it," Spencer said. "But there I go, thinking again."

"There you go, thinking again," Matthew agreed. "Now, help me mail it."

"Sure you want to do this?"

Matthew's mouth curved in an peculiar smile as he nodded. "Full speed ahead. Only five people can solve the thing, though. Right? I mean, that's how we set it up."

"That's right," Spencer told him. "It will go out to maybe two hundred email addresses to give the appearance of legitimacy, but only your elected five will be able to solve the puzzle one hundred percent."