Page 56 of Shifters in the Night

“Indirectly, but yes,” Lia said, grimacing.

“Well, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to give the official firing, Sonja, but it sounds like you did an admirable job,” said Alex, who was secured in a wheelchair until he could stand up without staggering.

“I have never enjoyed my job more,” Sonja said, grinning.

“I’m proud of myself. And I’m still feeling good about my decision, but not to put too selfish of a spin on it – I don’t know what this means for me,” Lia said.

“I thought you’d want to stay,” Jon said, the color draining from his face.

“Easy there, brother, your heart rate is spiking,” Will commented as the monitors beeped.

She kissed his cheeks. “Well, of course, I want to stay! I’m just saying I need to work. No one in the area seems to be hiring for my skill set. And I don’t know anything about the boat repair business. I can’t just live off of you.”

“Maybe you could find something in New Orleans?” Jon suggested quickly. “We can try to find a place half-way between here and there. The commute would be hell, but—”

Lia’s expression went all soft and she kissed him again. “It’s so sweet that you would even be willing to complicate your life that way, just to be with me. That’s probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. But I can’t make you move away from the water, your home water, and your shop and your work and your brother and your friends—”

“That’s a really long list and we’re all super-impressed with how mature and selfless you’re being about this, but I think I have a solution that will end this argument real quick,” Zed interjected.

“This was an important moment for them,” Dani chided him, elbowing Zed’s ribs.

“But why put them through it if I was going to offer Lia a job anyway?” Zed asked. “It seems mean. Also, I think it’s making Alex a little uncomfortable.”

“Thanks for that,” Alex deadpanned.

Lia’s brows rose. “You mentioned a job?”

Zed nodded. “Mystic Bayou needs someone who’s in charge of all these new things happening in town, someone who will put our needs first and look out for us, someone who has a stake in the town. I think we’ve made it pretty clear that we don’t really know what we’re doing when it comes to the construction and all the changes we’re going through. We need someone to coordinate everything, but it’s not a good look for that person to be a League employee. We need someone who works for the town to act as a liaison between the League and our government and the businesses coming into town, not to mention the public buildings we’re going to need – the hospital, a real courthouse, bigger schools. And when that slows down, we’ll need you to look at establishing the chamber of commerce, the board of tourism, all that stuff.”

“Working for the public sector, I’ve never even considered that. And I would be using my skills for good instead of Victor,” she said, nodding. “I would love that. But – I don’t want to sound completely mercenary – can you pay me?”

“Yeah, since when do we have the budget for something like that?” Bael asked.

“It’s a public position,” Zed told her. “But it’s grant-funded through the League. Jillian applied for it and got the application fast-tracked through the national office. I know it’s not going to be what you were paid by New Ground, but I think it’s pretty reasonable.”

“The League’s gonna mess up and become a benevolent organization, if they don’t watch it,” Bael muttered.

“I heard that,” Alex told him. Bael jerked his shoulders.

“I have the compensation packet and the contract stuff right here,” Zed said, handing her a navy blue folder. “I just didn’t want to offer it without your stuff with your boss settled. But now that you’ve walked out in an, again, damn near queenly fashion, I don’t feel bad at all.”

Lia seemed to think about that for a long moment, chewing her lip.

“What would you think of me coming on as a private consultant?” she countered. “I appreciate the offer, but I’d like to start something of my own. A private consulting firm. It might mean a little travel, if I find work in other areas, but I could use my savings to open office space and get everything started. I’ve been wondering what to do with my nest egg and this is what I want. Those are my terms. Can you accept them?”

“Will there be more paperwork involved?” Zed asked, frowning.

“I may have to reword the grant a little,” Sonja said. “But as long as the League still approves, I don’t see why it should be a problem.”

“They’ll approve,” Alex assured her.

Lia opened Zed’s envelope and glanced over the numbers. Her jaw dropped. It wasn’t what she was paid by Victor, but it was definitely enough to cover her living expenses in the Bayou. She wouldn’t have to touch her savings.

“You and Jillian must have some influence with the League, Sonja,” Lia marveled.

Across the room, Jillian preened. “Thank you, but honestly I think they’re just terrified of losing me as their spokesperson. No one else has the temperament for it. Your official title would be ‘expansion coordinator.’ Nobody will negotiate better conditions for us. No one will protect the local interests like you will. We have faith in you, Lia.”

Jon hugged her to his side while she sniffled. “Thank you.”

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