Page 41 of My Cruel Salvation

“Oh, yes, sir. Thanks, Mr. Saint.”

“You handled that well,” I say when we’re in the elevator.

“I should have said something much earlier. That oversight’s on me.”

“You haven’t been here, and it was the weekend.”

“Under the circumstances, the weekend is no excuse. And believe it or not, my team is remarkably adept at video-conferencing. What with being a cutting edge organization.”

I roll my eyes as the doors open on the fourth floor. “Fair enough,” I say. “Better late than never?”

“That’s what I’m thinking. Tamra,” he continues, and I realize that Tamra is sitting at the desk outside his office. “Can you schedule in time for me today to address the staff?”

“Of course. And good morning, Ellie. How are you doing?”

“Still a bit unsteady,” I admit. “Seeing you at this desk…” I trail off as she nods.

“I know. First Anna, now Tracy. On the whole, this desk doesn’t have the best history.”

“It’s a goddamn tragedy, but it’s not a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Devlin snaps.

“Of course not,” Tamra says quickly. “I didn’t mean—”

“No. Of course you didn’t.” He presses his fingers to his temple, then reaches out for me. I take his hand and squeeze, offering him my strength. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—” He draws in a breath. “I didn’t realize how on edge I am.”

“Understandably,” Tamra says. “And you should know that you don’t have to worry about being yourself around me.”

“I know,” he says, “and I love you for it. I am sorry about the desk. Neither of us is superstitious, but why don’t we order a new one. Start fresh with our new hire.”

“Of course. And I’ve already called the agency. They’ll start screening candidates to fill the position today.”

“Thanks, Tamra.”

“Of course.” She nods to the double doors that lead to his office. “Penn and Claire are already inside,” she adds. “Are you ready, or do you need a moment? I can tell them you were held up.”

“No, it’s fine. Ellie?”

I nod. I don’t know either of them, but out here I feel the loss too potently. The times I laughed with Anna. Tracy’s wide smile and eagerness to learn everything she could.

“All right then,” Tamra says as she leans over to push the button to open the doors to his office. The huge wooden doors swing open automatically, and as always, I feel as if the motion should be accompanied by a rousing classical score. But it’s just doors, and I follow Devlin inside, curious to see who we’re meeting.

Penn turns out to be Cory Pennfield and Claire is his wife, who both rise to greet us. Claire is tall and thin with a wide smile, and she pretty much towers over Penn who stands at least six inches shorter, with the stocky build of a wrestler. “So nice to meet you,” Clair says, as we take our seats. Penn and Claire on the sofa with me in one of the chairs and Devlin perched on the arm, his hand resting on my shoulder.

“They’ve both worked with me for, what?” Devlin asks. “Over five years now?”

“Hard to believe we’ve put up with him so long,” Claire says, aiming a grin my direction. “Fortunately, he’s easy on the eyes, so that makes the assignments more palatable.”

“You’ll have to forgive my wife. Her favorite hobby is to flirt with Devlin.”

“I keep trying to get a reaction,” she says, laughing. “I’ve never managed.” Her smile widens. “Now I see why. He’s been waiting for the right woman to come along.”

“I had to,” Devlin says. “Penn would have beat the shit out of me if I’d fallen prey to your killer smile.”

“Hey,” I say, feigning indignation.

“Oh, and the little fact that I was in love with someone else.” He takes my hand, then raises it to his lips and kisses it.

“All kidding aside,” Claire says, “it’s wonderful to finally meet you. Devlin’s talked a lot about you over the years.”