Page 79 of Don't Bait Me (Nora Jacobs 3)

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After an hour of telling Director West every detail of the previous night’s events, she finally says it’s enough. She sits back in her chair and steeples her hands in front of her. “All right. I think I’ve heard everything I need. Gorgeous, fill out the report and we’ll consider this case closed.”

“Or…” Nick clasps me on the shoulder and gives me a shit-eating grin. “I could show Nora how to write up the report. She does have the badge now.”

“Or…” I say, equally as obnoxiously, “you can write up your own report, and I can give this back. Thanks for reminding me.”

I pull both the FBI badge and the FUA badge with my pictures on them from my purse and toss them onto Director West’s desk. “I appreciate the offer, Director West, but I’ve decided not to join the Agency.”

Director West looks at the badges on her desk, then watches me for a long moment. “If this is about Henry,” she starts, “I know you’re still upset about that, but—”

“Upset?” I scoff. “No, Director, I’mpissed. Very pissed. You just let him go as if what he did didn’t matter. And what’d he do when you let him out? He came straight to me, again. He compelled me,again.” I point to the big, ugly bruises on both of my arms from where Henry had grabbed me and shook me. “He manhandled me and left me bruised,again.” I sit back and take a deep breath because I’m so worked up. Henry just pisses me off so much. “And what happened to him this time?” I ask. “Did he get another stern lecture? Did you frown really big at him this time?”

Nick jerks forward and makes a strangled sound, as if covering up a laugh. Director West glares at him and then frowns at me. “Nora, I promised you that Henry would be dealt with, and he will.”

“But he’s free again. You let him go last night, didn’t you? Without any repercussions.”

Director West sighs. It’s proof enough that I’m right. Henry was not punished for his crimes against me. “Miss Jacobs…Nora.”

“Is it because I’m fey?” I can’t seem to make myself stop. The woman is the director of the Detroit FUA office. I should show her some respect, but I can’t because I know whatever’s about to come out of her mouth is just going to be a bullshit excuse.

“Was he allowed to kidnap and compel me because I’m fey and therefore can’t ask the FUA for help? Does my being fey mean I have no rights in this city? How can you ask me to work for an agency that can’t even help me in return? Or refuses to help. Why the hell would I?”

Director West narrows her eyes and purses her lips. “To be honest, Miss Jacobs, I’m hoping that having you join will encourage the fey in this city to finally sign the treaty, and then we won’t have that problem.”

I fold my arms across my chest and stare her down. “And if they don’t?”

She says nothing.

“Right.” I shake my head. “Which means if I join, I can no longer help them, either. And what about demons? What if Ren or Cecile ever needs help? I’ll just have to sit back and watch them suffer? I can’t do it, Director. I’m sorry. I can’t play by your rules, no matter how much I enjoy working with Nick. Not if it means excluding certain people when they need help. And don’t even get me started on the fact that you’d ask me to give up my clan for this job. That’snevergoing to happen.”

Director West perks up. “Actually, Miss Jacobs, that’s one thing I can check off your list. I spoke with Oliver at length when he decided to become part of your clan. Did you know he was willing to quit the FUA? The evening he moved in with you, he came to work and handed in his resignation.”

I’m shocked. He never told me that. But I’m not surprised, either. I shrug. “Oliver would do anything for us. Not just for me, but for our clan. You didn’t see his face when Terrance asked him to join us. He’s been without a family for too long. It’s wrong that you would ask him to give that up for the job.”

Director West nods. “You’re right. It is. That rule was put into place because there is so much separation between the races. We didn’t want any one race to have too much power. But seeing your clan… Watching you all band together… That’s the kind of thing this city needs more of. I have given Oliver an exemption from that law because his clan represents all of the major species. There is no partiality; therefore, that rule need not apply. It would be the same for you.”

I’m glad Oliver found a way to keep both his job and his clan. If I’d known I could get around that rule, I’d probably have joined the Agency after the werewolf thing. It feels good to be able to help people using my gifts. I actually really love the job, and Nick makes a fantastic partner. I’d love to be able to do it full time and really make a difference in people’s lives. But after this whole debacle, I’ve grown an attachment to the fey. I am one, after all. I’m starting to feel like they’re my people. There’s no way I could sit back and not help them if they need it.

After really considering my options for a long time, I eventually shake my head. “I’m sorry. Ask me again when I would be allowed to help—or stop—anyone that needs it, no matter their race, and I’ll join. Until then, I can’t do it.”

Seeing my resolve, Director West deflates. “Very well. Thank you for your time, then, and for all of your efforts on this case. The FUA is indebted to you, and if you do ever change your mind, you’ll always have a job waiting here for you.”

“Thanks, Director.” I climb to my feet and head for the door, but before I leave, I turn back to face the director. “Sorry I couldn’t give you the answer you wanted.”

She forces a tight smile. “I understand.”

My eyes shift to Nick, and my apology becomes sincere. “Sorry, Nick.”

He jumps to his feet and throws his arm around my shoulder. “Don’t sweat it, little spitfire. We can still be partners. Maybe you can’t work full-time for the Agency, but we can still bring you on case-by-case as a consultant.” He looks at the Director. “Can’t we?”

Some of the light returns to Director West’s eyes, and she sits up straight. “Yes. We can do that.” She cocks a brow at me. “Would that be a fair compromise, Miss Jacobs? Would you be willing to work with the Agency from time to time, if we ever need your help?”

If I agree to this, I’ll be able to help Nick out when he needs it, but I’ll still be free to help those not affiliated with the Agency when they need it. It seems like the perfect solution. My stomach bubbles with excitement, but I force my face to stay impassive. I don’t want the director to know just how excited I am by this offer. She’d be relentless. “I think I can manage that, Director.”

Director West finally gives me a wide smile. She stands up and opens her office door, leading me out. Oliver pops his head out of his office, as if he’s been listening for the sound of Director West’s office door to open. “Hey!” he greets cheerfully, joining us in the hallway. After giving me a quick kiss, he slides his arm around my waist and escorts me back out to the main office. “How did it go?”

He grins, knowing full well that Director West was going to try to hire me.

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