Page 4 of Reverence

“Until you can prove that you’re capable of working with someone else, you’ll remain in that administration office. And while you’re there, you’ll show me that you can handle something as simple as filing, organising, and completing your assignments alongside your partner.”

Asher never missed the opportunity to rip people to shreds.

“Consider it your chance to prove that you’re more than just a liability when you’re not working alone.”

I huffed in amusement and I noticed Ares visibly tensing.

“If you have any issues with that, you’re welcome to take it up with Stephanie.” The Assistant Special Agent in Charge and the woman who happened to be even stricter than Asher.

“Or you could file a formal complaint and try to get a transfer to another department.”

Silence.

Everybody sat quietly as this scene unfolded.

“Have I made myself clear, Valiente?”

He simply nodded, sinking into his seat. When the meeting concluded, Asher told me to hang ten.

Unlike my partner, I didn’t vocalise my dissatisfaction. Especially not in a professional environment.

I bottled everything inside until those ill feelings seeped out of my pores, then I’d consume an endless amount of tea to avoid going into an alcoholic spiral.

“You’re awfully quiet today.” he said whilst gathering the case files that were placed on a nearby desk.

“I didn’t realise I should’ve spoken during that briefing.” his movements ceased as he looked at me.

“Amala.” he sounded like a father figure when he used that tone. “Do you forget that I’ve interrogated criminals before? Even if they don’t confess, their body language and eyes always give them away.”

“Are you saying that I’m a criminal?” I quipped but he looked at me with that blank expression.

“I’m saying that you’re not as subtle as you think.”

I stood up from my seat, tucking both hands into my black cargo pants. “I know you’re not happy about being assigned to work with Ares, but the animosity between you two is almost palpable and I can’t condone that.”

“It won’t affect my ability to do my job or work with him out in the field, if that’s what you’re concerned about, sir.” Asher shook his head, making me clench my jaw.

“I can’t take that chance. If you’re out in the field I can’t afford to have any hostility between my agents. You’re supposed to watch each other’s six. Trust each other. Rely on each other. The slightest hesitation could cost me an agent.”

Arguing with this man would clearly be pointless so I nodded.

Despite my dislike for Ares, I would never be the reason someone else took his life.

If he was going to die, it would be by my hand—and judging by the number of times I’d nearly killed him already, that possibility wasn’t exactly far-fetched.

Not that I’d ever see it through, I refused to have that on my conscience or risk going to prison for a lowly man.

“Okay, understood.” When Asher realised I wasn’t going to discuss this any further he finally dismissed me.

Gabriella and Nicolas glared at each other, whilst I sat quietly and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. “I can’t control who I’m partnered with, Gabriella.” I felt like a child, watching their parents argue.

It wasn’t as awkward but it still made me sink into my seat.

I wasn’t going to get involved. “You could’ve asked Asher to make an exception. I’m sure he would’ve done so, I don’t like Mariana.”

I unlocked my phone, switching from application to application. “Fuck’s sake,” Nicolas huffed. “I’m not doing this with you right now.”

“Of course you’re not,” Gabriella muttered. “That’s what you’ve been doing lately. Diverting the conversation.”