Page 58 of The Pansy Paradox
“My boy, I see you’ve checked out of the bed and breakfast. I hope that means you’re ready to wrap up this little problem.”
Of course. No doubt Botten had some flunky monitoring Henry’s every move. He sent a wave of gratitude toward his umbrella for that reminder to go dark. If someone dug deep enough, they might uncover his flight to and from Seattle. He was counting on bureaucratic malaise—at least for the short term—to keep from having to explain that.
“Actually, I’ve accepted an invitation to stay with the Littles, and I thought I’d save the Enclave some money by doing so.”
Next to the coffee table, Pansy jerked her head up, eyes wide with curiosity rather than alarm.
“Do you really think that’s wise?” Botten asked.
What did Henry think? Well, for one, the woman across from him deserved to know what the Enclave had planned for her. He held a finger to his lips. When she nodded, he put the call on speaker.
“I think that’s the best way to go about it. I’m enjoying Rose’s company. You were right. She and my father were close, and she has any number of stories to share.”
The tense silence that met this proclamation was delightful. Whatever Botten wanted in this scheme, whatever he was after, this was certainly not it.
“My boy, I must insist you wrap this up immediately.”
“Do you, now? I recall you needing my expertise in all this, my discretion. I can hardly arrive in town one day, fail Pansy the next, and then retire the entire family line on the third.”
But, of course, that was exactly what Botten wanted. Henry could sense the man’s impatience along with his malice, to quote Rose Little. Pansy’s lips formed a tiny o, both of astonishment and understanding. Umbrella in hand, she pushed to her feet and tiptoed around the coffee table, completely ignoring the emphatic shake of his head.
He jabbed a finger at the couch. “Sit down,” he mouthed.
“I’m fine,” she mouthed back and headed from the room.
A quiet thunk came from the hallway. Henry’s heart rate kicked up a notch, but it was only the sound of her umbrella joining the others. Yes, yes, he wasn’t her keeper. Certainly, she knew her limits after an attack better than he did. Nevertheless, he shadowed her into the kitchen, his phone balanced on his palm, his free hand ready to catch her.
“Perhaps you’re not the agent for this task.” Botten’s words were mild, but a threat lingered beneath the surface.
Pansy glanced over her shoulder at this before slipping into the pantry.
“Perhaps you’re right.” Henry craned his neck, peered into the space, but she was merely kneeling and rummaging through some items. She was close to the ground and safe for the moment.
“Please, find a replacement,” he continued, his focus back on Botten. “I’ll take that offer of a desk job at headquarters. In fact, I will pack my things and fly back tonight.” Henry paused for a beat and then added, “After I explain the situation to Rose, that is.”
Henry knew this much: Rose Little may have opted for a permanent post in King’s End, but she wasn’t without influence. Even assuming she didn’t have any allies on the High Council—extremely doubtful—she knew where all the bodies were buried, including those Botten himself had put into the ground. The photographs his father had left him indicated as much.
“You asked for my discretion and my finesse in this situation,” Henry continued when Botten didn’t respond. “I’m giving you that. If you expect me to stay on temporarily, good relations with both Pansy and her mother are crucial. Besides, I think Pansy has some latent skill. Perhaps all she needs is a bit of additional mentoring.”
Pansy emerged from the pantry, something clutched in her grip. Her expression, both incredulous and amused, nearly had him laughing out loud. As it was, he threw her a wink. A hint of pink touched her cheeks, and she peered up at him through her lashes.
And he nearly forgot about Botten on the other end of the call.
Shut it down, Henry.
Botten snorted. “Your optimism astounds me. By all means, if you think it will smooth the way with Rose?—”
“I believe it will.”
“Very well. Do check in more often, my boy.” Botten ended the call, as he did all his calls, without a goodbye.
In the quiet that followed, the air fairly crackled with expectation. It was static against his tongue and a buzzing in his ears. He’d put it all out there. For this woman, this stranger, really. He’d chosen her over the Enclave because it’d been the right thing to do.
At least, he hoped like hell it was. Pansy stood across from him, her gaze taking in his full measure. Henry wondered what she saw, what she sensed about him. At last, she let out a sigh and pushed her hand through her hair, securing the strands with a ponytail holder.
“Remind me never to play poker with you.”
Then he did laugh, throwing his head back, loud and long until finally Pansy joined in as well. From down the hall came the rattle of all three umbrellas in the stand.
