Page 39 of Dead Heat

“Are you sure you’re a recruiter? Because if you’re supposed to be luring me to the dark side, you’re not being very persuasive. I think Darth Vader has a better chance.”

Posy’s mouth tightened. “I could sing a few notes right now and lure every child in this library to their doom. Would you like to see? I’ll even let you borrow the noise canceling headphones I keep in my handbag.”

“This is between us. I don’t think we need to involve innocent bystanders.”

“Are you sure? There’s a creek not far from here.” Her mouth lifted at the corners. “Did you know it only takes 1.2inches of water to drown?” Her dimples reappeared. “Ask me how I know.”

“Not interested.”

She tilted her head. “Or even better, I can send the little miscreants marching uphill. There’s a big house at the top with a moat. I mean, who even has a moat in this day and age, am I right? Seems like overkill to me.”

It didn’t seem like overkill from where I was sitting. Despite her plastic facade, Posy was lethal. No doubt about it.

“How about a little demonstration? Mainly because I like to show off.” Her lips parted. The sound was too high-pitched for human ears, but I heard every note. My heart raced. Nearby shelves shook. In the distance, a chorus of barks broke out.

I tried to appear nonchalant. “Congratulations. You’ve alerted the kennel to your presence.”

Leaning forward, she lowered her voice. “I think we can both agree there are many forms of persuasion.”

I hid my shaking hands under the table. “Leave the children out of this. They’re innocent humans.”

“Good point. Perhaps there are a few future avatars in this very room.” She made a show of scanning the area. “Oh, I could see that little boy in desperate need of a guiding hand in his late teens. The Corporation excels in providing that.”

“What your employer excels in is using that desperation to its advantage. Preying on the weak. I’ve got news for you, Posy—I’m neither desperate nor weak.”

Posy responded with a slow clap. “I like you. Mathis wasn’t a fan, but I blame his misogyny.”

“Mathis wasn’t a fan because he failed to get what he wanted.”

“He’s highly overrated, as far as I’m concerned. Plus, hehas terrible taste. Rhinestones on boots? Blech.” She made a grotesque face. “He thinks the god within him is Elvis.”

She was trying to find common ground to win me over. Too bad I wasn’t interested in anything she had to offer.

“Let’s make a deal,” I said. “You leave quietly, and I promise not to tell Mathis what you really think of him. I still have his business card. One text and he’ll hold a grudge against you for the rest of your existence.”

“Oh, aren’t you adorable? Mathis knows I can’t stand him. He hates that I’m one of the few women who doesn’t succumb to his charms. I think he resented you for that, too. I believe ‘lonely shrew’ was the term he used in his report.”

Another child wandered past our table dragging a wooden alligator on wheels behind him. He seemed more interested in the floor than the books around him.

Posy noticed my gaze. “What a darling little boy. It would be devastating for his family to lose him so young.”

My insides threatened to boil over. “Leave this town and never, ever return.” I bit off each word.

“Tread carefully, sweetie. It sounds like you’re threatening me.”

“Oh, I’m definitely threatening you. And Mathis. And the whole damn organization. Fairhaven is under my protection. If any harm comes to it or anyone who lives here, you’ll pay the price.”

“All the more reason to come to us willingly. If we have to drag you kicking and screaming—which is my personal preference, in case you were wondering—we can’t help the collateral damage. If any harm befalls the residents of this town, the fault will be yours and yours alone.”

“Take your Pepto Bismol self out the door and don’t come back.”

She dusted off her sleeves. “Don’t be silly. Pepto Bismol is a much lighter shade of pink.”

“Tell your bosses to give up. I have no interest in engaging with them, not even for a simple conversation.”

“Very well then.” Posy hoisted the strap of her handbag over her shoulder. “I’ll be sure to pass along your rather rude message.”

Despite my trembling limbs, I waited until she passed through the automatic doors to collapse against the chair as Hailey dawdled over carrying a basket of books.

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