Page 36 of Death Game: Supernatural Battle

… Oh my god.

The butler was stricken. “He hurt you, but I wasn’t sure if it was part of your strategy. I didn’t want to act without confirmation one way or another.”

“You were right to wait, Fred,” I said firmly, rounding the back of the desk. The computer was already on. Stacks of papers lined up. “If a similar thing happens in the future, don’t intervene.”

The butler stared at me. “He didn’t hurt you?”

Uhm. He hurt me in ways I didn’t know Iwantedto be hurt.

I cleared my throat. “Right as rain, Fred. Thank you for the concern. And I mean that.”

“That vampire is an important one,” Fred said as his impersonal butler mask fell back into place.

An important one? In the game, absolutely. To the kings, yes. To me?

I inclined my head.

Fred’s face twisted. “I know it’s not my place to be saying this, but the thought of such a monster in your personal space makes me sick inside. I’m certain your grandmother never intended you to take the game so far.”

His words were a punch in the gut. Despite his initial bluff, he knew exactly what those screams were about.

The wordsfucking awkwardcame to mind.

I opened the first email, an update from my stockbroking team. “You’re right. It isn’t your place. Is there anything more I can help you with?”

When I glanced back at him, red had flushed across his cheeks. Not the angry sort. The butler appeared absolutely mortified.

The truth was, I felt disgusted at the thought of what my grandmother would say if she knew what I was doing. My words came out harsher than intended, but I couldn’t back down now.

“I apologise for overstepping, miss,” he said, bowing. “There’s nothing else to discuss. I will leave you to your correspondence.”

And the guilt is back.

“One more thing,” I called when he was at the door. “Is Mr Tetley gone?”

He turned, mouth pulling down. “Yes, Miss Le Spyre. I’m in the process of finding a replacement.”

Tommy kept her promise then. I wasn’t surprised her father would follow his only daughter. She was the moon, stars, and sun in his life.

“Hey, Freddy boy, is Basilia in there?”

Mrs Gaughton sidled into the office without waiting for his reply. “Hey, Basi.”

I smiled at Fred over her head. “That will be all, Fred. Thank you.”

Sorry.

“Mrs Hannah,” I said when the door was closed. Reaching under the table, I started the frequency generator. It wouldn’t stop the Indebtedwho really wanted to listen in, but they’d have to be close to overhear, and I knew my main crew of seven stuck closest to the house.

She eyed my clothing. “Heading out onLive Rightbusiness today?”

“Sure am. Have to catch up after the three weeks off.”

“I like you, Basi, but I’ve got to say that I think Live Right is seriously dodgy. If you ever want to work for a business who have the best interests of Bluff City residents at heart, you come to me.”

Was Mrs Gaughton vetting me for my own company? She had no idea I was the owner.

I loved her.

---