Page 61 of Kenna's Dragon

Ophelia’s entire body goes rigid. Woodenly, she turns in her chair to face him, all the color draining from her.

“It’s been far, far too long, Ophelia. It’s good to see you again.”

Based on her expression, I’m not sure Ophelia shares that sentiment. Her next words come out with uncharacteristic venom as she turns to face Cleo.

“You want me to work withhim?”

Cas smiles, though it’s not the easy, teasing expression he usually wears. There’s something sharper behind it, and a flash of irritation in his deep red eyes.

“The two of you know each other already?” I ask, stating the obvious, but not sure how else to break the sudden tension in the room.

“We’re acquainted,” Cas says with a deep chuckle.

I’m surprised to see Ophelia looking so unnerved, an actual flush climbing her cheeks. In all the years I’ve worked with her, she’s been nothing but cool, composed, even cocky at times. Never flustered like this. When I glance at Cleo in confusion, she’s staring daggers at me.

“Thanks for the heads up on that,” she mutters.

“We only spoke last night,” Cas says smoothly, walking to stand with a hip propped against the corner of my desk. There’s no spare chair for him to sit in, but he chooses to stand right next to Ophelia, looking down at her with a glint of challenge in his eyes. “What do you say, Ophelia? It could be fun, the two of us partnering up to take down the bastards who are orchestrating all of this chaos.”

By the way her face scrunches up in distaste, I sincerely doubt Ophelia agrees, but she quickly rearranges her features back into neutrality before she answers.

“Sure, maybe we’ll be able to keep in touch while I’m out there, but I work best alone.” He opens his mouth to reply, but Ophelia’s not finished. “Cleo? Should I speak with the payroll department like usual to get them my info?”

Cleo nods, shoots me a quick look that clearly says ‘don’t ask’, then stands and gestures toward the door. “Yeah, let me walk you down there.”

I stand as well, shake Ophelia’s hand, and promise to be in touch with all the details we have on the case. The two of them leave, and Cas sinks into the chair Ophelia vacated with uncharacteristic heaviness.

“There is a history between me and sweet Ophelia,” he says with a dramatic sigh.

Sitting, I snort a laugh. “You don’t say.”

He opens his mouth like he’s about to elaborate, but I stop him with a raised hand. “Is what you’re about to say something that would prevent the two of you from working civilly together? Or something that would put either of you in danger?”

Cas shakes his head.

“And is it something Ophelia would rather I not know?”

A sardonic smile turns up the corner of his mouth. “Yes. It likely is.”

“Then I don’t need to know. If there are any issues once the two of you are out in Boston, then we can discuss it.”

Perhaps I should be more cautious here, but the two of them are the best operatives on the Bureau’s payroll. I want them both on this case, and fully expect them to be able to figure it the hell out. Neither one has ever needed any hand-holding on the assignments they’ve taken, and interfering here will probably do more harm than good.

Cas stays silent for a few long moments before he speaks again. “You think she is the right person for this work?”

“I do.”

“Then I will endeavor to help her, whether she wishes my assistance or not.”

“Cas,” I say in warning. “I don’t want you to strong-arm her. If she wants you to back off—”

I’m interrupted by his low, amused chuckle. “If one of us is going to strong-arm the other, our history suggests it would not be sweet Ophelia on the receiving end.”

Nowthatinterests me more than I would care to admit, but I’m not about to press him for details. Instead, I shuffle through a few of the papers on my desk.

“We can speak with human resources about payment before you leave—”

Cas waves his hand carelessly, interrupting me again. “You know I do not take payment for these matters.”

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