“Esmeray won’t accept any handouts. I’ve been trying to get a rather lucrative contract with the city for some time as they don’t have anyone in special investigations for the mage enforcement department. I have all the requirements they’re asking for, but you know what holds me back.” I gestured to my head. “In this case, I won’t think twice about asking for nepotism.”
Draevus frowned, brow crunched in thought as he processed things. His gleaming dark hair, flicked with the barest first hairs of silver at his temple shone in the bright light of the office. I readied myself for rejection and almost flinched when he burst out laughing. “That’s it?”
“The pay for the position is quite lucrative.” I offered a half smile. “And from there, it’s just a hop and skip away from being elected to a coven head or commissioner.”
“The chances of you being elected to a commissioner position?” He raised a brow.
“Exponentially higher if I have your backing and the support of hell-borne.” I grinned hopefully.
“Absolutely. I’ll work on you two about moving into the estate next door.” Draevus stared at his phone with a half grin as he sent out a text.
“Has Calamisis moved out? I have the money for a home, but I’d need the income to upkeep it.” There also lay the issue that many banks still had unwritten policies about giving loans to hybrids. Illegal to do, but hard to prove. “I’d have to pay for it outright, and that would wipe out 80 percent of my savings.”
“Calamisis? No. I just texted him to get fucked and move out already.” The joy on his face was tangible, and I sincerely hoped I never got on his bad side.
“Too bad the haunted sex house is off the table. I could exorcise it quite easily.” I drummed my fingers. “Keep that home on the table as an option. I’ll find a way to afford it. If I can get the consultant position, I’ll be able to talk Esmeray into it.”
Draevus thumbed through his phone and consulted with something on his computer, giving me a gesture to wait in place.
“I need to make…probably four phone calls, maybe five if I have to threaten someone. But miracles can be done in Satan’s name.” He hummed jovially before making one call, his voice going silken and smooth.
I did my best to tune it out as he spoke with what sounded to be someone fairly high up. The conversation flourished with mild flirtations and reminders of favors long past. Draevus wrote a few notes, his pen flicks sharp and purposeful like Esmeray’s.
He moved on to another call after a minute; this one was much shorter. “I have a recommendation for that open role in the PD. You need a special investigator for the magical department, and I have one with a heavy background with thaumaturgy and a strong bond with two deities.”
Chatter on the other end escaped my hearing, and he grumbled before giving my name and telling him that I’d be the pick.
The Neck-romancer?The voice on the other end hitched, and Draevus locked eyes with me.
“Myson-in-law.” A hoarse growl made its way into Draevus’s voice.
Muttered apologies and a guarantee that I’d be chosen issued. Draevus chuckled darkly. “Good.”
My phone rang shortly after, and I answered it, my security company on the other end. I shot Draevus a look of apologetic concern and answered to hear the polite voice on the other end informing me there was a fire detected at my home. I thanked her and checked the cameras, seeing all of them were offline. I made a call to my home only to get an automated note about the number I had called, which was not connected.
My heart thundered in my chest. “Draevus, something’s happened t—”
The door to Draevus’s office flew open, Esmeray in the doorway wild-eyed and furious. “Father!”
His gaze flicked to me, and utter relief washed over his face as he flew into my arms. “Gre!”
“Esmeray? What’s going on?”
“Check the news.” He ushered his phone into my hands, fingers twitching as we watched live footage of Hemming Way, where my home was nothing more than an empty, smoking gap between an exotic lingerie store and an antique store that was likely a drug money front. It was never open, never sold anything, and paid all its dues on time.
“No…”
“I was so worried you were at home…” Esmeray accidentally dropped his phone and hugged me tight, burying his face in my chest with a shudder.
“No, I had an appointment with your father.” I patted his back a few times as Draevus ended his call and shot a fierce gaze our way.
“You’re moving in with me, immediately. I will not takenofor an answer.” He pointed at us. “Because I’m not putting my grandchild in danger.”
“You told him?” Esmeray glared at me, and I held my hands up defensively.
Draevus stood to full height. “You two go home. My driver will pick you up. Leave your cars in the lot, and I’ll have them checked for explosives.”
We turned around and headed out, with Esmeray whispering to me. “What the fuck, Gre?”
