“I’d be happy to do a trade. You’re a green witch, yes?” Monroe said.
“That’s right. But until recently, I mostly practiced folk magic,” Cece said.
“Potions?” Monroe asked.
“Yes,” Cece said. “But I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be an even trade. My magic has increased, but it’s not even close to the same power you have.”
Monroe grinned at her. “You have no idea how incredibly dismal I am at potions, much to my mother’s dismay. She’s a green witch herself and had high hopes I would follow in her footsteps, but I take after my father.”
“Why not just have your mother make the potions?” Cece asked. She glanced at Briggs and Mal. “Most green witches excel at potion creation, especially if they’re blood witches.”
“I can’t afford her rates,” Monroe said with a brief grin. “What do you say, Cece? Should we do some tradesies?”
She laughed, and Briggs’s bear chuffed happily at the sound. “Sure. Some house protection spells for some potions. Assuming they’re potions I can make.”
“Great.” Monroe glanced at his watch. “I have another client I’m meeting with, but I could come by around six tonight, if that works.”
“Sure,” Cece said with a glance at Briggs, who nodded.
“Perfect. See you then.” Monroe quickly gathered his things before shaking Mal’s hand. “Just give me a call if there’s any trouble and you need the spells done again.”
“Good to meet you, Monroe,” Mal said. “Give Willow your invoice, and she’ll arrange payment.”
“Great, thanks.” Monroe gave them a wave before leaving the boardroom.
“I should get Cece home,” Briggs said.
“Before you do,” Mal said, “we need to have a quick chat.”
Briggs wanted to refuse. He was pretty fucking sure he didn’t want to hear what Mal had to say, but it wasn't like he could tell his boss, “Thanks, but no thanks.” But maybe he could put it off for a little bit.
Before he could think of a viable excuse, Mal said, “It’s not a choice to speak with me, Briggs.”
He nodded and, Cece staring worriedly at him, they followed Mal out of the boardroom.
CHAPTER 20
They walked into an office full of people. Monroe was still there speaking to Willow, Tori and Ronin were in the small kitchenette off the reception, and Hudson, Garth, and Fenton had returned.
Cece kept a smile planted on her face even though she was suddenly terrified that Briggs was about to lose his job. Mal made her anxiety worse when he indicated for Tori, Garth, and Fenton to join them.
“While the three of you are here, let’s discuss coverage for Cece.”
“Oh, uh, I’m good with just Briggs,” Cece said quickly.
“Briggs will be taking Wednesday and Thursday off, so we’ll need someone to cover for him,” Mal said.
“I’m good,” Briggs said. “I don’t need the time off.”
“I think you do,” Mal said.
“I don’t,” Briggs said.
“Lucky for me, I’m the boss,” Mal said.
A low growl escaped Briggs’s throat, and Mal stared steadily at him. “We can continue this discussion in private once we’re finished here.”
“Fine,” Briggs bit out.
