Page 101 of It Starts With A No

Clary bit down on her lips, then released them with a smack. “The mansion that Mr. E set me up in has plenty of room.”

Andrea’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Because yes, yes, yes. Please let me move in. I’ll be your free security guard at night.”

Laughing, Clary said, “Your current place must be really crappy.”

“The walls are so thin I can hear everything around me. The window doesn’t close properly. The hot water runs for two minutes before it loses heat, only to come back scalding hot as and when it so desires.” Andrea shook her head. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure there’s at least one rat hiding somewhere in the apartment.”

Clary shuddered. “I’m not staying at the mansion right now, but you can move in tonight.” She went over to the bag by her desk and took out the key. “Not that I don’t trust you.” She walked back to Andrea. “But try not to touch anything there. Mrs. E loved that place, and Mr. E has kept everything pretty much the way it was when she was still alive.”

“Oh.”

“Still want to stay there?” Clary asked.

Andrea held her hand out. “You can tell me that Mrs. E’s spirit still walks the corridors and will be watching me while I sleep, and I’ll still say yes.”

“I’m so curious about your place.” She dropped the key into Andrea’s palm. “I’ll text the part-time maid to get a room ready for you. Third floor, last room on the right is mine.”

“I’ll take the room next to yours. That way, I’ll be close if you need help.” Andrea held her hand up when Clary opened her mouth. “If you move back in.”

“There’s a bathtub, and I bought some bath bombs a couple weeks back. Never got the chance to use them. Feel free to grab what you want from my bathroom.”

“Clary, you’re the best boss ever.” Andrea pocketed the key. “And now that the key is in my hands, I need to ask. Do you think Seth Anderson’s sudden change in attitude may be because he’s already gotten what he needs from you?”

Clary blew out a breath.

“We can’t both be idealistic a hundred percent of the time.”

If Andrea had asked her this question yesterday, Clary would have answered with a resounding no. But now? “There’s something …” She let her words trail off.

Clary had only promised Mr. E that she wouldn’t confront Seth with the new information she’d learned about Jimmy and Winnie, so it wouldn’t be an issue to tell Andrea. But it felt like something she should discuss with Seth before speaking with anyone else about it.

“What thing?”

Clary shook her head, and Andrea’s eyes slitted yet again.

“I need to talk to Seth about it,” Clary said.

“Talk to me about what?”

Clary turned. Perfect. Tamara had left a piece of paper in the door frame to keep the door from closing completely.

Andrea checked the time on her watch. “I’m off. I have to pack and move, and there’s a bubble bath waiting for me at the end of it all.”

Seth frowned at Andrea, but her new assistant merely smiled and waved.

Pausing at the door, Andrea turned back to her. “Unless you want me to stay?”

Clary shook her head. “Goodnight.” She grabbed her phone and texted the part-time maid to let her know about Andrea. She glanced up at the click of the door and the whirring of the digital lock. “Give me two minutes, and I’ll be ready to go.”

“What do you need to talk to me about?”

She pursed her lips.

Seth merely nodded. “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

“Seth.”

He turned and stared back at her, waiting.

---