Page 92 of King of Ruin

“Currently being cremated with all the other department heads.”

I nearly wheeze. “All of them?”

Oliver nods, “Ay, mate. All expect me, and I may be biased but having the head of security still kicking isn’t too bad of a trade off.”

I sigh, wincing when I move too fast and pull on my arm. “That it’s not.”

We go over things, one by one until I’m almost cross-eyed. He finally relents and gives a small chuckle. “Gotta say, mate. You’ve done more work in these few hours than I’ve seen your old man do in years.”

I start to grumble a response but am cut off by my phone vibrating on my desk.

Fiona sits up straighter as she looks down and sees the name flash across my screen. We exchange a brief look before I answer, my heart beating in my throat.

“Maddy?”

“Hey, Z. Whatcha up to?”

I’ve always liked Maddy but hearing her voice now invokes a deep panic in my core. She has no reason to call me unless something is wrong. Unless some–

“Is Onyx okay?” I rush out.

“Physically? Yeah. But something tells me that she’s about to have a slight mental collapse here momentarily.”

“Momentarily?” I repeat, grabbing the door handle. It’s then I realize I got up without thinking.

“Yeah. She’s doing a number on Sammy boy right now and soon enough, that fire is going to burn out.”

“She’ll probably shoot me when she sees me.” As I say the words, I realize how much I don’t care if she does. “Hell, Trick or Tigger will probably do it before I get to her.”

“Believe me. We already knew how much you cared about her before you knew. Granted they may give you massive shit, but they won’t kill you. Just bring a gift or something, you know?”

I can’t help but smile a little. When I look back over at Fiona and Oliver, they both have a similar inquisitive expression on their face.

“Better come quick, Z. I can smell him from here.”

She doesn’t wait for a response and hangs up, leaving me no time to debate with her on whether I should go or not.

“If you don’t hurry the hell up and go, I’m kicking your ass.” Fiona’s standing now, her arms crossed over her chest.

Oliver rounds my desk and nods. “I have to say I agree with the lass. And I have the perfect gift. It’s a bit bloody though, so I suggested wrapping it in a towel."

When I pull up to the gate, I’m greeted with the new security system. I roll the window down and touch the small button on the panel.

My pulse thrums in my neck as I wait for them to answer and when the seconds turn into minutes, a sick feeling of dread drops into my stomach. I push the button again, and this time when the speaker makes a small beep, a bolt of elation prickles my skin.

“About time you got here.” It’s Shi.

“Is she okay?”

“How are you defining that term?” Trick now.

Irritation singes at my nerves, but I keep my tone steady. “Is she hurt?”

“Would you care?” Trigger.

“I’m here, am I not? Despite her promises to kill me if she ever saw me again.” I don’t mean to raise my voice, but the runaround I’m getting regarding her well-being is beginning to annoy me.

“Is that him?” I have to strain to hear the faint voice of Maddy. “Are you serious right now Trigger? Let him in.”

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