Page 20 of Cruel Debts
“T, meet your protection detail for the foreseeable future. , Sentry, and Ghost.”
As she mentioned our names, each of us raised a hand or gave a nod, letting her know who was who. Thankfully, nobody here knew our real names. The monikers we used to instill fear in our targets served as a warning.
She didn’t seem impressed. In fact, if the boredom and irritation etched into the lines of her face were any indication, she was . . . bored.
Bored.
No fucking way.
NINE
TRINITY
This was so much worseon so many levels that I hadn’t even thought about, it was hilarious. Or it would be, if I hadn’t been fighting a breakdown at that very moment.
The one called wore a fucking plague doctor mask, but unlike the cheap Halloween knock-offs, this was a stitched leather, clearly vintage piece. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if it had walked right out of the era of the black plague.
The one called Ghost wore an Oni mask, a throwback to ancient Japanese history, the white and red stark against his tanned skin. All I could see of his face was those sharp white teeth, grinning like an extension of the mask’s fangs. He looked hungry, and I suddenly felt like a rabbit facing down a fox.
The last one, Sentry, wore a neck gaiter and a pair of goggles, his whole face hidden from view. He looked like an enigma, someone who could slip in and out of a place without being seen unless he wanted to be. His eyes behind the goggles were sharp, seeing everything yet appearing to focus on nothing simultaneously. I could feel them on me as I sat in Minnie’s spare chair, letting my bag hit the floor as I mirrored the men’s lack of interest.
If they wanted to play hard to read, so could I. I wasn’t sure who wanted this situation less, me or them, but right now, I’d bet on me.
They were still getting paid, after all.
Or were they?
I didn’t care either way, but I could sympathize with them if they were being forced to do this for free.
But not much.
Just a little.
I settled in for what felt like an end-of-the-world conversation, already dreading agreeing to this whole thing.
TEN
ASHER
“We needto go over a few things—” Hawke started, but I cut him off, leaning forward, wondering if she recognized me in my mask.
Probably not.
“You’re in safe hands with these three, though they look dangerous,” Minnie started, her grin widening as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
“Wearedangerous,” Liam muttered, baring his teeth like a real-life demon ready to strike. “Might be a good idea to listen to what we say, so you don’t get on our bad side.”
The girl said nothing, choosing to nod instead, her lips turning down in a frown. Minnie looked from her to us before continuing.
“She works two nights a week, and one week a month, she picks up a third night for a special feature. I expect you to ensure she has adequate accompaniment to and from the shifts, and that you keep watch while she works.”
I raised a brow but nodded. “St. Clair already informed us of the requirements.”
“She’ll need her own room. Obviously she can’t share with?—”
“She’ll have it,” Hawke snapped, his irritation growing. “What else?”
Minnie handed us an envelope decorated in gold embossed script. The thing had already been opened, but the invitation inside remained intact. “She found this in his office on her way out the door. I think it’ll be of interest to you and your organization.”
