Page 99 of The Sea Witch's Son

Perhaps I did lose a piece of my mind in that maze.

“I must admit, I was surprised to receive your phone call last night.” Calista lifts a brow, “It’s been years since you’ve asked me for a favour.”

“Is it a favour if I knew you were going to enjoy it?”

“You know me well, old friend.” She gives me a sly smile, “Although, not too well if you thought I would contribute to your little revenge scheme without some sort of reward.”

If there is one thing I have learned about Calista Drache over the years, it is she never gives when there is an opportunity to take.

“I would never forgive myself if I showed up empty-handed.” I smile, passing over the personnel file, “A token of my appreciation. For your tremendous efforts last night.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have.” Calista grins, flipping open the recruitment report I put together for her this morning.

Walking over to the large bolder in the clearing, I brush off the residing dirt and lean against it.

“Miss Hendrix is a full-time archeologist and part-time treasure hunter. She’s been searching for the lost city of Atlantis for years, and her government grants are about to run out. She’s desperate for funds and is willing to do anything for the right price.”

Calista nods along, skimming her eyes down the report.

“She is strong enough to make it past physical obstacles and smart enough to make it past a vault.” I pause, waiting for the appropriate reaction, “Checking nearly every box on the skillset you need.”

“Another blonde.” Her lips curl in disgust, “There is nothing I hate more than a pixie cut.”

“Shall I make the arrangements?”

“No.”

I pause, “No?”

“Your debt has been paid, but I’ve already got my eye on another recruit.” She smiles, all teeth and no sweetness, “I’m going to take a trip to Silverwood while you have aheart-to-heartwith Jack.”

“I told you I would get it done.”

“And yet you got side tracked, even though time is of the utmost importance right now.” Her smile sharpens, “Mother has started asking questions.”

“The Dragon has found out already?”

“She knows something is going on. She just hasn’t figured out what it is yet.”

We both hear the silent emphasis on theyet.

“You will have an answer by the end of the week.” I drop my head in acknowledgement, “If not, you are welcome to find a replacement.”

“Oh, Marlin. Your methods are far too entertaining to ever replace.”

“I aim to please.”

“I know you do.” She tilts her head thoughtfully, “Gus told me you broke Finley’s nose before I arrived. Something about a sensitive topic?”

For a group as small as ours, there ought to be no room for gossip.

I make a noncommittal noise, “There was a slight disagreement.”

“About a certain redhead, yes?” Calista taps her lip, “I’m curious, how does a man who claims to feel nothing instigate such a violent reaction? Surely, indifference would have been your typical response.”

“It had been a long night.”

“I can only imagine. Pulling Melody out of the water must have brought back so many painful memories for you. So many emotions.”

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