Page 47 of The Sea Witch's Son

She nods slowly, tapping the end of a painted claw against the table, “They didn’t just steal from us. They stole from the Dragon.”

Amusement and a small dash of concern streaks through me.

“Does she know?”

“Not yet. But when she does there will be blood to pay. Mother is not known for being merciful.”

A gross understatement, to be certain.

I set my phone back down on the table, “How would you like to proceed?”

“Gus is running through the delivery boys who were working last Friday night. If nothing turns up, we will extend it back into the weeks prior until the culprit is found.”

“What about the suppliers?”

“I am taking care of those.” She leans back in her chair, “If it happens again, we’ll know for sure it was someone involved in the supply chain. And if not...”

“It could be anyone.”

“Precisely.” Green eyes sweep down my pinstripe shirt tucked neatly into grey dress pants.

“I need you to shut down the app for a few days and run a full diagnosis. I’ll cover the missing revenue.” She clicks her tongue, “I know how much you hate getting messy, so you’ll be on standby for the physical side of things.”

I smile, “You make me sound delicate.”

“When it comes to your precious dress shirts, you can be quite sensitive.” Calista sighs, “Though I suppose all men have their weakness.”

“It would be no fun if we didn’t.”

“True. Very true.” She casts a sly glance my way, “Do you still have that little notebook of yours?”

“I never leave home without it.”

Calista throws her head back and laughs. The cackle sends a flock of birds soaring overhead, their shadows dancing across the green space. I watch the tattoo slither beneath her leather jacket, the dragon laughing right alongside her.

“You might get the chance to play in the field after all.”

I meet her wicked gaze with a grin, seeing the same thought flashing through her eyes.

Give them something to fear.

Chapter 16

MELODY

I didn’t think people actually watched swimming.

During the Olympics, sure. But for varsity?

“It’s not the sport we’re going to watch.” Gus slings a towel cheerfully over his pit-stained shirt, “It’s the time trials.”

I follow his hulking frame through the swarm of spectators. The rows of benches are completely full, the heaving crowd adding to the muggy chlorinated air.

I recognize a few familiar faces among the spectators, but none of them look happy to see me.

After the party Friday, I found myself labelled as the new girl who fucked Marlin Seaborn on the dance floor. Didn’t matter he was the one carrying me,apparently I was the seductress who stole the town’s favourite villain off the market.

It’s the rumour that has most girls glaring at me in the halls. And besides Gus, the guys avoid me like the plague. Even Finley stopped talking to me this week.

---