“I thought I did…” she says, eyeing me. “Did he break in? Shit, do I need to call the police?” I try not to roll my eyes.Maybe you should’ve led with that coming in.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll go out there.” Removing my gloves, I put them in the bin and walk past her, through the doors which lead to the waiting area. A man stands looking out the window with slicked-back mousy-colored hair and a tattoo of two ravens in flight high up his neck.
With that branding tattoo, I already know whose crew he belongs to, and the hairs on my arms stand on end. Well, at least it isn’t Silas himself.
This man is attractive, though, coming in at six feet. Looks to be in his late thirties, with striking green eyes. Especially when they slide over to me. It’s the deep scar over his lips that catches my attention.
He turns around with a theatrical flourish, suddenly every inch of him the perfect gentleman. I’m sure women fall for it, but the first thing I notice is the gun in his holster that he doesn’t bother to hide. He just smiles at me.
“Miss Graves?” he asks. I step up to the counter, and my fingertips touch the gun that I have stashed below. I always have it there for safety. Thankfully, I have not had to pull it yet.
“Yes. And you are?” It’s late, and I’m technically not expecting anyone. Even though I sometimes get random bodies that need to be disposed of.
“Pleasure to meet you. I am Valen. I work for Mr. Vescari.” He places his hand on his chest as he speaks, then drops it. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope, then puts it on the counter and slides it toward me. I make no move to touch it. “I also have this.” He pulls out a card and does the same thing. I look down to see it’s an invite.
“His niece’s birthday?” I ask, confused as I read it. What the fuck? Has he found the body? What’s the extra money for? I’ve barely slept this week, trying to figure out where I fucked up, exposing myself so much that someone could break in. I don’t appreciate Valen doing the same, so I consider that I need to reinvest in tighter measures as I look down at the chunk of cash.
“Yes, it’s a large gathering, and as a gesture of good faith, he would like you to attend. No partners allowed, just yourself.”
I frown. What is this lunatic doing inviting me to a Vescari family birthday party? Those things are so heavily vetted. Not to mention, I technically work for the enemy. Unless he’s trying to sell me on the idea that he’s a “family man,” hoping that if I consider him just the man instead of the monster, I’ll bend to his will. That, and if any of the other families see me there, it’s bad news for me. I don’t get involved.
It takes me a moment, but I finally shake my head.
“Please remind Mr. Vescari that our involvement is business only. I’m not interested in being invited to personal things such as family birthday celebrations.”
Valen looks surprised but hides it well behind his handsome smile.
“He is a good man to have on your side,” he says, and his gaze dips to the cash. “And it is business. Money in transaction for your time.”
“A good man…” I smile. “Who tries to hire my time like a sex worker. No, thank you.” I have nothing against women who work in the industry. Credit to you if you can work your bodyto make men squirm and get a paycheck for it. But I run in the business of dead bodies. The colder, the better. That’s what gets my heart going.
And based on the bodies that come into my morgue, I know what type of man Silas is. I’ve had people with missing limbs, tongues cut out… You name it, he’s done it. I’ve seen it all, and it all goes back to him.
Not to say that the other crews aren’t just as bad, but I don’t see as many bodies from them as I do from him. And the only time those bodies are brought in is by their own crew members when they’ve been used as a message. I can only imagine how many of them go missing in the same instance.
Not even the authorities are willing to put anything on him, but I listen to everyone who comes in, and they all blame it on him. He just has better connections to cover his tracks, which would lead back to him. And I guess if he hires me, I’ll become another one of those tracks he can cover. “Tell him I kindly decline, thank you,” I say without a smile.
Valen and I watch one another for a moment. I imagine he’s not used to women declining his offers either. I want to ask about the body but remain silent. That’s only a discussion I can have with Silas, and preferably not at all. But how else am I supposed to find out which crew did it?
Then again, the better option is not to deal with Silas because that will only draw more attention. Fuck. I’m so torn. Which way will keep me hidden in the dark in my little happy place here at the morgue?
“I’m sure he’ll be most upset. Thank you for your time.” He turns and walks out, deliberately leaving the cash. I don’t like it when they leave cash because I hear Silas’s words echo.“I own you.”
As soon as he leaves, I walk over to the door and ensure it’s locked this time. Walking back to the counter, I slide the invitestraight into the bin and open the drawer to slide the money in. Usually, Tori will come out and count it. But curiosity gets the better of me for a change, and I open it.
Holy shit.
I almost drop it.
It’s more than double what all the other crews pay me, of that I am sure.
Is it fake?
“Tori,” I call. She comes out to the front within seconds, and I hand her the cash. “Check if it’s fake.” She nods and looks in the envelope, her eyes going wide.
“Did he just bring this?” she asks.
“Check it, will you?” Without an answer, she does just that. I head back to my office and start to pack up for the night when she walks back in.
