Page 21 of Charmed By Destiny

“I tried to find Gabe this morning to talk to him about this, but he’s not around.”

Learning he was Lucas’s second choice did little to quell Richard’s furtive imaginings, but he pulled himself together. Lucas wasn’t there for a highly inappropriate tryst in the office.

Pity.

“Gabriel is with Eric ghost-hunting this morning. That’s where he is usually found before lunch.”

“Ghost-hunting?”

Had no one explained to Lucas yet that Eric was destiny-touched? Richard supposed it was knowledge every Marwood necromancer and inspirit protected. Lucas hadn’t been there long. Although some instinct told Richard he could trust Lucas, he never took chances with his only brother.

“Yeah, the supernatural is kind of Eric’s thing. Gabriel is a stickler for safety, especially when it comes to Eric.”

“That makes sense.”

“Does it?”

Lucas blinked at the harsh way Richard’s question had slipped out. “Yes. They’re engaged and soulmates. He’d want the man he loves to be safe.”

“Yeah. I guess our entire family is protective of Eric. He’s a special person, and if Eric is lost in his head, he wouldn’t notice an alien invasion five yards from his feet. How can I help you?”

“Well, this is going to sound weird, but this morning I was notified that my first paycheck was deposited directly into my new account.”

“Was there a problem with the deposit?”

“Yes,” Lucas said, tucking his hands into his pockets. “Gabe explained how inspirits are paid the same no matter what department they are in, right?”

“Yes, our goal is to ensure inspirits are happy and fulfilled no matter what career within our organization you choose.”

“Okay, I’m not perfect at math, but the amount in there is about three times higher than I expected.”

“Oh,” Richard replied. He wasn’t sure what the rules were about salaries other than they were equal. They didn’t add new inspirits that often, and the ones who’d joined his team after he was given his job as co-director were transfers from other departments. With Gabriel out with Eric, Richard refused to bother him. “Although this isn’t my area of expertise, I should know the answer, but I don’t. Have a seat, let me make a call, okay?”

Lucas folded his fine self into a chair, and Richard opted to use his cellphone instead of the phone on his desk.

His father picked up his cell on the first ring.

“Richard? What’s wrong?”

“I’m fine, Dad, but I’m here with Lucas, and we have a question.”

“Sure, what’s going on?”

Richard smiled internally. His father was an extraordinarily busy man, but you’d never know it by the way he responded whenever a Marwood called him or an inspirit needed something. There was no hesitation in his voice, nor was his speech hurried. Clark would stay on the phone for however long it took to resolve the issue.

With a few quick sentences, Richard brought his father up to speed on Lucas’s problem.

“Tsk,tsk. I can’t believe Gabriel didn’t mention this to Lucas, but we provide a bonus for newly resurrected inspirits or additions to our family. Starting out often comes with additional expenses, so we want to ensure they have the funds they need to meet those challenges. If Lucas needs anything else, let him know we’re here for him. And remind me to tease Gabriel later. Maybe having a fiancé is leaving him too distracted to do his job.”

“If he quits to devote his time fully to Eric, you’re fucked.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime, Richard. I love you, enjoy kicking ass and taking names today.”

Richard chuckled. “You too. Love you. Bye.”

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