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“Depending on who, I agree.”
“Not finished. Additionally, I want an apartment. A nice one.”
His brows lifted. “Aren’t you the opportunistic negotiator? I can agree to a better apartment. I take it you’ve been enjoying the larger faculty room you’ve been staying in?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “And I want a small salary. Have to build up that savings, and if I’m putting my life on the line to save yours, I want perks.”
“I thought I gave you one. A rather useful one, mind you.”
“Listen,” I leveled with him. “You need me way, way more than I need you. I can survive here in hiding. I won’t like it, but I’m more than capable. You might die soon, and you’re out of options. No one’s been ‘good enough’ for your impossible task.” I took in a deep breath. “And I might very well die if I help you. I don’t want to die, and I don’t put my life in danger without extremely high benefits.”
“Fine. I agree.”
I blinked hard three times. Had I really just agreed to this? I didn’t feel any strange pull, and for some reason, I believed that he wasn’t influencing me at all.
Maybe I was changing.
“Oh,” he added. “Give me all the details about her so I can get started as soon as possible.”
“About who?”
“Your mother. Unless you wanted me to locate someone else for you.”
Crossed arms couldn’t protect me from his piercing, all-knowing gaze.
He chuckled, drawing closer again. “I think we’re going to have a very, very profitable friendship, Gray. I look forward to working with you. Now, why don’t we get this contract drawn up?”
Chapter Sixty-Eight
OCTOBER 2ND
* * *
“So, it’s finished, then,” the angel sighed into his crystal glass before shooting the remaining whiskey down. “You are resigning from your post.”
My teeth gritted, anger pouring off me in waves, I replied, “Yes. I’m sorry I’ve failed you, President Castile. I can’t prove it, but I think the killer has fled.”
Castile sighed again, the sound heavy with grief. The empty cup remained clutched in his stiff hand.
I worried it might break.
“You did not fail me, Miss Wilder. Perhaps it was too optimistic of me in the first place.”
Trusting a backwater civilian to investigate the death of your own son, you mean? Yeah. Makes sense. But you don’t know the half of it, old man.
My companion straightened beside me. Those brilliant emerald eyes glittered. “I understand this is a frustrating experience, and we grieve with you, President. But I can assure you that Gray did everything in her power. She uncovered your son’s drug ring in record time and put herself in danger over and over to discover the truth. The reports I’ve given you are more than thorough and show how she’s risen above every other investigator so far. Considering that the month passed without another attack—or, heavens forbid, another murder—I’d say we’ve scared off the criminal for now.”
My fists clenched. I had to control my anger. Had to pretend.
Castile’s head swayed back and forth as he took in the words. “I have read the reports. Twice. And I must say that I agree with you, Razai.”
My brows rose.
“It is incredible how the weak discover ingenious ways to achieve their goals. Perhaps us archangels and powerful Divine have grown too reliant on our magic and our money. Perhaps we should learn from younger, weaker souls as well.”
My surprise flattened. Of course the archangel would think of ways to better his peers, all while managing to take a shit on the rest of us not-so-blessed Divine.
“Agreed,” Razai replied somberly. “We can conclude for the time being that the killer has either fled or will remain quiet for the time being. I’ll continue my search for the next investigator.”
