Page 28 of Kin of the Wolf

I reined in the snarky comment that came to mind, that I was glad me installing toilets and fixing dishwashers had allowed Bolin to dedicate himself to spelling-bee competitions and violin practice instead of working his way through college. Besides, Bolin was turning out to be a pretty decent guy, considering he was twenty-three and his parents paid for all his expenses. He could have been a snot.

“But,” Rory continued, “we need to consider if it’s time to sell this property and reinvest the profits elsewhere.”

“Due to recent events,” Kashvi said, “the insurance is increasing with the new year. It’s increasing a great deal. As if itweren’t egregious enough that the property taxes went up so much these past few years.”

I rocked back, barely hearing her words after his. I had worried about them replacing me, but it had never crossed my mind that they would sell Sylvan Serenity Housing.

If they did, would I be able to continue working for the new owners? With the same deal that included my apartment? Or would they want to hire someone new? Someone young and perky with a college degree?

If new owners didn’t want to keep me on, I would have to move after more than twenty years. Not only had I raised my kids here, but I’d put so much effort into maintaining the place these past decades that it felt like mine in a way. Even if there was more crime these days, it was a great location for commuting, and the acreage with the nearby trees made it far more peaceful than one would usually find in the city. Besides, it was myterritory.

As if someone had punched me in the stomach, I realized I didn’t want to leave, not unless it was because I’d finally reached my financial goals and could buy my own multifamily property. Even then, I didn’t know if I would want to move. I might simply rent out the units of my new place and continue to work and live here.

IfI had that option.

“We have not made up our mind yet,” Rory said in an apologetic voice, watching the conflagration of emotions waltzing across my face.

“But it must be considered.” Kashvi’s no-nonsense tone suggested she didn’t care that this was my territory and home and that I had feelings about it. For her, this would be a business decision, purely based on financial considerations.

“I understand,” I said numbly.

And I did. That didn’t mean it didn’t disturb me. Itespeciallydisturbed me because much of the crime was my fault, or at leasthad occurred because I lived here. I didn’t think the motorcycle gang had anything to do with me, but the rest…

I leaned forward and gripped my knees.

“We will not decide until after the holidays,” Rory told me gently. “And we really do appreciate all the work you’ve done here over the years. If we sell, we’ll make sure you receive an ample severance package, whether the new owners want to continue on with you or not.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled bleakly, afraid they had already made up their minds. They were talking aboutthe new ownersas if they had someone in mind.

Were there interested parties lined up for this place? Despite the news? I could see someone wanting to sell off chunks of the land, maybe breaking it off from the buildings for further development. Acreage this close to Seattle had to be worth a fortune these days.

Ed returned and nodded to the Sylvans. “From a cursory look, everything on the outside is in good repair, and the landscaping is well-tended. Any areas that criminals might lurk at night have been trimmed back from the well-lit walkways.”

“I thought that would be the case,” Rory told him.

Was that something they’d discussed? Debating if I was doing the work necessary to keep the place safe?

I straightened, trying not to feel indignant that my ability to manage the complex well might have been questioned.

“I told you overgrown bushes weren’t the problem,” Bolin murmured.

Ignoring him, Kashvi said, “We will keep you apprised on the situation, Ms. Valens.” She lifted a hand, as if to take her leave, but paused. “How have the vacancies been lately?”

In light of the crime? And the newspaper articles?

I was relieved I could say, “We’re full, with a waiting list.”

I didn’t mention that a quirky alchemist hoped to be put at thetop of that waiting list. I definitely didn’t mention we were now attracting tenants who kept ghostometers in their closets.

“Oh? That is a little surprising.” Kashvi looked at her husband. “I expected that recent events…”

“It’s a lot of work for people to move,” Rory said blandly, glancing at me.

He might or might not know I was a werewolf, but he absolutely knew more about the paranormal aspect of recent problems than his wife. Of that, I was certain.

“Well, that is something at least,” Kashvi said. “It will be a selling point if we can report that the vacancies are low.”

“Nonexistent,” Rory said.

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