I picked up the employee handbook and flipped it around so it was upside down for me, but correct for Orrin.
I tapped the first page. “Welcome to the Department of Supernatural Law Enforcement. The department exists to investigate and police harmful magic, with a focus on keeping humans and supernaturals alike safe. However…” I flipped to the next page, which had the department’s motto that was a more political version of the explanation I was giving Orrin. “Since most supernaturals have their own hierarchy and law system, we focus on situations in which humans are involved, and we are the contact point for supernaturals to call if they encounter rogue magic.”
“As you’ve experienced,” Considine not-so-helpfully added.
I pressed my lips together. “Questions so far?”
“Yes,” Orrin said. “Why are you able to recite this handbook almost word for word?”
“It’s for the paper she doesn’t want to talk about,” Considine said.
Orrin tapped his fingers on his knees. “Then I will not be required to memorize it?”
“You have to know it well enough to make sure you don’t break any of their boring rules,” Considine said.
“Ah,” Orrin said.
“Yeah,” Considine agreed.
I had the distinct feeling that somehow Considine and Orrin might end up bonding.
Which wouldn’t be all bad for keeping tabs on Orrin, but Considine hardly needed additional allies, and I’d feel more pathetic than I already did if Considine managed to befriend everyone where I’d been failing since I joined the night shift.
“If we get through this packet in half an hour, we can stop for a tea break,” I desperately offered.
Orrin straightened up. “Understood.”
Considine folded his arms across his chest. “What’s this? You didn’t offer me bribes to get through all the boring paperwork when I joined.”
“That’s because I was hoping the boring paperwork would get rid of you,” I said without thinking.
I was too comfortable with Considine—the unprofessional words popped out of my mouth before thinking.
Captain Reese is still here!
I tried to glance casually at her, hoping she wouldn’t be upset by my conduct. To my surprise, she was leaning back in her chair, arms folded across her chest, smiling.
Not a friendly or casual smile, something that was closer to…appreciation.
I wonder what that’s about.
I didn’t have time to think it over now—that would be improper when I needed to focus on teaching Orrin as this might be the only chance I had to change the fae’s life trajectory.
Later. Maybe I can ask Considine.
I took a breath, then turned to a new page in the packet. “Considine and I are part of the Magical Response Task Force, which has an additional code of conduct since we see battle…”
A few days later,on a cloudy afternoon, I sat on my couch, using my day off to compile a list of the recipes my family typically made around Christmas.
Not that I thought I could recreate all of them—while I’d made additional attempts, the best thing I’d made so far was stillthe barely seasoned Party Mix I’d made in October. But between the Christmas spritz cookies my mom’s family made every year—which required specialty equipment I didn’t have—and the O’Neil’s famous Irish ginger cookies, there had to besomethingthat was easy to make.
I mournfully eyed the list—each entry more difficult than the previous.
Maybe I should go for a cocktail. I’m good at making smoothies. A mixed drink is probably within my skill set.
My cellphone rang, and Considine’s name flashed across the screen.
Why is he calling? Normally he just bangs on my door.Unless there’s a threat?
