“When it comes to Keller, I want you to assume she is guilty, which shouldn’t be too difficult since you don’t know her. If you go in assuming she’s clean, you might miss something. Let her prove you wrong. It is also safer for you. If she is what the leaked information says she is, she’ll use what she has in that building against you without a second thought. There are drugs on site that could put a dragon down for good.”
“I hear you.”
“You’ll do it, then?” When I don’t answer immediately, she continues, “I have someone else lined up if you turn this down. I’ll be disappointed, but I won’t hold it against you. You will be reassigned regardless. I don’t want you anywhere near Magma until he is cleared.”
“I’ll do it,” I say.
“Thank you. We’ll be in touch. Be prepared to start tomorrow, bright and early. Leave Magma to us. He will be briefed that all your findings are to go directly to the Council. That you, for the time being, are reporting to me.”
“Understood. I will call him briefly once the news breaks. If I don’t, he’ll get suspicious.”
I hate this.
“Do what you have to.”
I nod.
She digs in her bag and hands me a file. “This is everything you need on Keller. Her credentials, previous work history, her address. All the basics. Good luck.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
“We’ll be in touch.” Then she turns for the path and starts walking.
I’m under a gag on Magma. He isn’t just my boss; he’s my friend. We’ve had beers together. I kicked his ass out of bed two weeks after his mate died. I was there for him like he’s been there for me when I needed him.
Fuck!
I have to stay away from him and throw myself into this assignment until he is found innocent.
I know he will be.
He has to be.
I turn for the trail and start back toward my SUV.
