“One more thing,” she said once she’d written everything down and verified she received my email. “I won’t be starting until you fulfill your end of the deal.”
“You do realize I have a time limit on this.”
She shrugged. “I know you too well. If I give you what you want before you come through on your end, you’ll figure out a way to wiggle out of it.”
Hmph. She did know me. Damn it.
“Fine.” I didn’t have much choice. “But your source had better make some progress tomorrow while we’re at this ridiculous dance.”
“It’s not a dance.”
“Oh, whatever.”
Dance, gala. I didn’t care what this thing was. This source of hers had better come through for me.
I gave a head jerk to the sorcerer. “Let’s go.”
He shook his head. “I think I’ll stay.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I do.” Under his breath where Caroline couldn’t hear, he said, “And there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Want to bet.
“She’s right. You should probably head out. Your parents will get worried if you’re out too late. I’m planning to be here a few hours longer.”
Heh.
I gave him a victorious look. See.
He sneered, careful to keep his head turned away from Caroline.
To her, he said, “I was actually thinking I could hang around for a little bit. I’m considering pursuing a career as a historian, but my parents wanted me to talk to an actual historian to make sure it’s a feasible career option. Considering your concentration is in medieval manuscripts and you’re a recipient of a Mellon Fellowship, Aileen volunteered to introduce me to you.”
That sneaky little bastard.
Caroline seemed flattered by his attention. She’d always liked having her accomplishments listed. She was also rarely chosen as a mentor for potential students. She was too cold and precise. She tended to scare them off rather than encourage them to join.
“I’m sure that can wait until later,” I said, seeing my control of the situation slipping.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll hang around and ask a few questions until my parents pick me up later.” Peter gave her a shy grin. Even though I knew exactly what he was and how he was lying, I felt my heart strings being tugged on.
Caroline didn’t stand a chance.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to show you a few things and answer some questions while you’re here.”
“Caroline!”
“What? You’re the one who brought him here. If he says his parents will be ok with him hanging around until they pick him up, then there’s no harm in it.”
No harm except that he was a dangerous sorcerer capable of pretty much anything. Including convincing my obstinate friend of his apparent harmlessness.
I knew I’d regret letting him come with me. I was outmaneuvered and judging by Peter’s superior smirk, he knew it. I couldn’t object too strenuously or Caroline would get suspicious. I also couldn’t tell her he was dangerous because she wouldn’t believe me.
That left one option. If he was staying, I was staying.
I folded my arms. “So what do we look at first?”
