Page 84 of Surviving in Everton

“Yes, sir,” they agree in unison.

Chapter 34

West

Walking into the office, the whole room goes quiet. I get a fair amount of side eye, but most try to avoid me at all costs. I can still feel their cautiously curious glances though. I pay them no mind as I stride down the hall to my intended destination. Daring anyone to stop me and ask questions. I don’t answer to these peons. When I get to the mahogany door with a small plaque that reads Special Ops, I walk right in.

“West! You’re back! You get what you were hoping for?” Marco asks, walking over to smack my back in his traditional greeting.

“Better. Bitch sang like a fucking canary. We’ve got her dead to rights. I’ve got the whole thing on video.” I smirk.

“Jesus. Still don't know how you got Salvatore to agree with that. He’s always going on and on about not using truth spells and making sure everything is above reproach. You threaten him or bribe him?” He tilts his head, raising an eyebrow.

“I know people.”

“Yeah, I know the same people,” he scoffs.

“Fine. I knowthingstoo.”

“So youdidthreaten somebody.”

“I wouldn’t say that, no.” I shake my head adamantly.

“Yeah, okay.” He laughs. “What wouldyoucall it then?”

“Getting justice. That’s what we’re supposed to do here, right? Find the assholes that use their magic against others and take them down?” I scowl at him.

“Hey, don’t tell me! I agree with you. From what you said about this particular asshole, I’d say it was past time for her to be on our radar anyway. You did good. I just wanna make sure it sticks and you don’t get in trouble.

“It will. I made sure it was sanctioned before I went through with it. Besides, no one will know she was given a potion. The only people that know aren’t gonna rat themselves out. Andyouwill keep your mouth shut.” I glower, even though Iknowhe would never turn on me. Still good to remind him I could bury him if I wanted to.

“Damn it, West! Don’t you fucking try to talk to me like I’m one of them!” He throws his hand in the air, pointing to the door.

I know damn well he’s referring to the underlings in the main room. If any of them gave me half a reason to, I could make their lives more miserable than they already are. I fight my smile for as long as I can before it breaks out, sliding up the side of my face.

“Sorry, couldn’t help it.” I shrug and walk over to my desk. I’ve been gone for a week and files are starting to pile up. I flip through them to get a glance at what I’ve missed. “We got a new case?”

“Oh, yeah! It’s crazy! This-” The door opening cuts him off and we turn to see who’s entering our sanctuary.

“Mitchell! Let’s roll!” Salvatore barks then walks back out the door without waiting for a response.

I flick a glance at Marco before hustling out the door after him. Running down the hall, I catch up to him before he gets to the elevator.

“What’s up, boss?”

“Got a warrant. Goin’ to get your girl. Thought you’d wanna be there.”

“Hell, yes!” Oh man! This is gonna be good! I wish the guys and Rowe could see.

He jabs the down button and the doors immediately open, like even they’re too scared to keep him waiting. The ride to the parking garage is quiet as always, Salvatore doesn’t really talk unless he has to. Even then, it’s mostly barking orders. We’ve got an understanding though, so it’s not too bad. The doors open to a swarm of guys in black tactical gear.

“Suit up! We move out in five!” he shouts as he walks away, off to share his winning personality with some other poor schmuck.

I waste no time getting dressed, putting all of my equipment where it needs to be. I know he’ll leave me if I’m not ready when he says go, and I’m not going to give him the chance. I need to see this through. I will be the one to lock that bitch up. Ya know, I better warn these assholes of that fact.

“Listen up! I appreciate your help, but that bitch ismine! It’ll bemeputtingmycuffs on her at the end of the day. Anyone got a problem with that, sit the fuck down and learn your fucking place!”

“Psh, nice speech, Rambo,” some idiot snarks under his breath.

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