“Then contact the Protector of the Region’s office.”
All the blood rushed to my head. “Oh, no. I don’t think it warrants that level of scrutiny either.”
Justine’s mouth tightened. “Need I remind you, Maya, that Stella Von Hagen is the reason this island has an extra clubhouse and golf course. However insignificant the issue is, treat it like a felony murder.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I wasn’t willing to push the issue, not when Justine had the power to kick my butt back to the mainland permanently. I had to tread lightly over those sea urchin spines.
“I asked you here to talk about Judd’s replacement.”
“I see.” I’d been expecting this, just not so soon. “Any candidates?”
“I think it should be you.”
I choked as I attempted to swallow. “Me?”
“Of course. You’ve handled yourself admirably in the wake of Judd’s death. You know the island inside and out. I think he would agree you’re a worthy successor.”
“I don’t know, Justine. I don’t mind acting as the temporary director, but I think I’m better suited to the secondary role.”
“Since when do Gorgons believe they should play second fiddle to anybody?”
“I’m only half,” I reminded her. Gorgon mother. Mage father. That was my story, and I was sticking to it.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of your power, Maya. You should embrace it.”
Oh, she had no idea how much I’d embraced it. I’d embraced it so hard that it nearly suffocated me. The only way to survive was to keep it at arm’s length, which would be difficult to do as the director of security. Judd had allowed me that safe distance.
“I’ve started collecting applications for the assistant director position. Once I narrow them down, I’ll loop you in. I’d like your input on the next hire. After all, you’ll be the one working with them, day in and day out.”
The thought was almost as unsettling as Darlene’s death. It had taken ages for Judd and me to settle into an amicable partnership, and there was no guarantee I’d have a similar experience with someone else. My entire goal in life was to avoid people, hence the reason I jumped at the chance to relocate to Evermore decades before my hundredth birthday.
“It’ll be a nice experience for you,” Justine continued, “moving from a junior to senior role. Teaching someone else the ropes.”
Great. Not only was I officially in charge, but I was going to be subjected to spending time with a new person.Mentoringa new person.
For the umpteenth time, I cursed the faerie that killed Judd.
“Is that all?” I asked.
“Not quite.” Justine drummed her fingertips on the edge of the desk. “When were you going to mention the secret you’ve been keeping?”
My throat ran dry. “Excuse me?”
“Black. Hiding in plain sight.”
My hands clenched. Had Zach gone behind my back after all?
“Meows,” Justine continued.
My muscles relaxed. “You mean the cat.”
“You’re supposed to register all pets, Maya. You’re not above the law just because you enforce it.”
“Jinx isn’t technically my pet. She’s a stray.”
“I’ve been told she lives with you.”
“She spends time in a lot of places,” I said vaguely. “Mine is one of them.”
