Page 19 of A Raven Revived

Dread filled her stomach. She couldn’t let Ash do that. She sprang from the bed and sprinted down the hall, bursting into Ash’s office. Shock registered on his face at her sudden appearance.

“You can’t sack him!”

His brow furrowed in confusion, but he spoke calmly. “Close the door, Daisy.”

She nodded and did as she was told.

“Now sit down and explain to me who I can’t sack and why I would be.”

She sat in the same chair she’d vacated just a short time ago. Fitz had apparently already gone. She thought for a moment, trying to figure out how she was going to convince Ash, but he was waiting for an explanation.

“Brennan left his post last night, which is how I was able to walk right out the backdoor. Well, it might have been more of a stumble.” She was trying to lessen Ash's anger with humor, but it wasn’t working.

Ash nodded and continued to watch her. “And how did you know he’d be leaving his post at that time?”

“Because he’s been doing that for a while,” she said quietly.

“You’ve known about it and didn’t bring it to my attention? Were you planning to sneak out?”

Daisy rolled her eyes. “Of course I wasn’t. Don’t be daft.”

At least that finally made him smile. “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to get him in trouble.”

Ash let out a long sigh. “Would you prefer some less than honorable person just waltzed in through the backdoor?”

“No.”

“He’s there for a reason, Daisy. You are too nice for your own good.”

“I still don’t want you to sack him.”

“Well, perhaps I won’t, but that needs to be my decision.”

She nodded and looked down at her lap. “I’m sorry, Ash. I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

“Don’t look so sad, Daisy.” He came around the desk and held out an arm. She gladly allowed him to wrap it around her shoulders again. “Everything is going to be alright. You’ll see.”

* * *

Fitz dropped into the chair and reached across the table for Anderson’s glass, draining the remaining liquid down his throat.

“Please tell me you haven’t dragged me into whatever it is that has brought you to this point.”

Fitz ordered them both another round. He laughed, but even to his own ears it sounded a bit desperate. “After I left you last night, Daisy came to my room.”

Two glasses of brandy were delivered to the table and Anderson took a large swig before responding. “My God, Fitz, do you have a death wish?”

“I didn’t invite her. I also didn’t sleep with her.”

“Well, that’s something I suppose, but did you immediately send her away?”

“No, I didn’t do that either.”

“I think it’s probably time for you and me to get far away from here.”

Fitz chuckled. He understood the sentiment, but he wasn’t leaving. “I’m staying, actually. And I need you to find me a place to live.”

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