Witches for Hire (Odd Jobs #1)(100)
“I can hear the truth in your words, but you’re still keeping secrets,” Edarra said calmly. “There’s a reason why you feel responsible for this cursed witch and want to fight her on your own.”
Jeremy sat at his desk and scrubbed his hands over his face. “The curse she has laid out is laced with a fuck ton of hexes associated with sound and sight, which prevents me from verbally speaking what I’ve done, or even writing it down.”
“Aren’t you our resident expert on hexes?”
“Telling Levi the truth got him killed, and even if Simone and Clive are jerks to me, I’m not letting the same thing happen to them.”
Edarra smiled. “If you were always this honest, you would have fewer problems. Are you telling me this because you know I have fewer qualms about murder than the others?”
“If it’s not an innocent, yes.”
“If you’re worried about their opinions swaying your hand at the fateful moment, perhaps you’re not ready to confront her.”
Jeremy picked up his pen and touched it to the piece of paper on his desk. “No. I’m not backing down again because that means losing someone else close to me. I don’t care if I have to magic my conscience away to do it.”
“At least your resolve is faultless. I suggest revealing your whole role to Clive. His help might make the difference between losing or winning the battle,” Edarra finished and then left the doorway.
Things aren’t that simple, Jeremy thought. Clive would be useless with his irritating knight’s code, and Jeremy couldn’t forget that if he had reached Simone just five minutes later, her and her boys might have been killed. Jeremy had bungled the first attempt, so the risk was on his shoulders. It didn’t matter if success meant blackening his aura. Rosaline had to die.
“I DON’T need your assistance.”
“Piss off.” Jeremy snatched the file off Clive’s desk. “I’m not sacrificing my reputation because working with me hurts your tummy or some other bollocks.”
Clive frowned. “I don’t trust you, so I don’t trust you with our client’s requests. I’ll fill out the order.” He held out his hand for the file.
Jeremy raised his middle finger and stalked to his own office. I love how that tosser believes that he has enough money to just let me sit and collect a paycheck because letting clients suffer longer than they have to is better than working with me. “What a fucking hypocrite.”
“Kettle, Mr. Ragsdale,” Salvatore said as Jeremy passed him in the hall because the Council were creepers.
“What are you doing here?”
Salvatore’s eyebrow rose. “Ooooh, you’re in the doghouse, especially if you don’t know that.”
Jeremy glared at Clive’s office. “I don’t even know why I give a shit what happens to them.”
Salvatore grabbed Jeremy’s arm before he could move by him. “That’s because you’re protecting him most of all,” he whispered in Jeremy’s ear. “I’m not cruel enough to put my lover through such agony.”
Jeremy yanked his arm free and straightened his shoulders. “Too bad I’ll never know.” He headed into his office and slammed the door behind him. He gathered the spell ingredients and began making the best phobia-affliction spell that had ever been created. Maybe Edarra or Simone will stop Clive’s sorry ass from throwing it out. Jeremy’s lips twisted in disgust. If he throws it away, I’ll fucking hex him.
CLIVE SHOOK Salvatore’s hand. “Thank you for coming.”
“You’re facing a mighty conundrum that could have far-reaching consequences. We appreciate being contacted in the matter.”
“I didn’t expect for that photo to be placed in our possession.”
Salvatore nodded. “This vamp wants to create more discord and chaos. Finding out who Desmond’s soul mate is is the first step toward that goal.”
“Will you accept custody of the photo?”
Salvatore shook his head. “The identity is already known to us, and taking it will give Desmond an argument that we are not only targeting him but his loved ones too. The Council must be seen as neutral.”
“I saw what Desmond did at the hospital. Doesn’t such power in a man with a black aura concern you?”
“Yes, but there are other ways to obtain what we want without involving bystanders.”
Clive sighed. “Are you saying I should destroy it?”
“That’s for you to decide, Sir Knight.” Salvatore clasped his hands over his cup of tea. “I see there’s tension in the workplace.”
He would notice that grumpy ass walking around, as if this situation was my making, Clive thought. “He’s a liability I hope to be rid of when this year finishes.”
“I hope so too.” Salvatore sipped his tea. “He seems vulnerable to poaching right now.”
Clive stilled. “You’re scouting him for the Council?”
“We’re always searching for talent, and I know his secrets.”
“He lies to my face on a daily basis. That is not a person who should be responsible for upholding the rules of this world.” Clive shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re seriously contemplating this.”