Page 99 of Witches Be Damned

“Good to see you, Knoxe.” He clutched a series of manila folders under one arm and was accompanied by Sentry Ben.

“Vartros?” I coughed out. “You’re back?”

Vartros’ features broke into a rare smile. “No thanks to you and your team getting me the intel you did.” He clapped me and Tor on the shoulder in turn.

Fireworks went off in my chest. Thank fuck he was back, and we didn’t have to deal with that asshole, Vancor.

The warden gestured for us to walk with him. “We arrested all the traitors and have them in various Guild facilities and off-site. Some of them turned informant and provided testimony to secure convictions.”

“That’s fantastic news.” I threw an arm over Tor’s shoulder for a few seconds, but it was difficult to maintain while walking and talking.

“So, what now then?” I rubbed my palms together. “Do you still need us to find the rest of the fugitives?”

Vartros’ brows came together in a way that worried me. “No. The intel you sent your Shadows friends helped us apprehend the outstanding fugitives, except for four that escaped to the vampire planet.”

I rolled up my sleeves. “We’d be happy to go after them.”

Tor elbowed me, warning me not to offer.

Vartros stopped and turned to face us. “I have a team working on that.” He removed the folders from under his arm and handed me the top one and Tor the third one. “These are for you.”

I nodded, opened mine, and scanned through the letter with his signature. A release letter dated today and pending release tomorrow. One more night in the prison and we were free.

“Thank you, sir.” I blinked at him, the moment surreal, and not one hundred percent processed by my brain yet.

“Your team has earned this.” Vartros patted my shoulder.

“What about Astra?” Tor asked. “Will she be released too?”

Vartros waved the files. “She and Pascal have letters too. Don’t worry.”

Tor and I released a long breath.

Fuck. This was the best news we received in almost four years.

“Knoxe.” The warden tucked the files against his stomach. “I don’t want to lose you and your team. You’re the best we have.”

“Sorry, sir, but we’re not staying,” Tor cut him off.

Vartros silenced him with a scowl. “I’m extending you the invite to continue working for the Guardians on your terms. Negotiable salary, sick leave, vacation time, medical benefits.”

I coughed and Tor thumped my back. I never expected this kind of deal.

“Remuneration for wrongful sentences?” Tor bargained on our behalf.

“We can factor that in.” Vartros gave him a weighted glance.

“We’ll get back to you with an answer before our release,” Tor promised.

“I’d expect nothing less.” Vartros gestured for us to keep moving, and he and Ben escorted us to the infirmary where he delivered letters to the rest of our team, Serena and Loco included, then left to take charge of his facility.

“This deserves a celebration,” Tor declared loudly, almost waking up Loco from his drug-induced sleep. “Wait here. I’ll bring back some goodies.”

By goodies, he meant a box full of food. Champagne, candy, potato crisps, and hot meals from the cafeteria. The man truly could pull off the impossible and get anything snuck into the prison. He was my hero in that respect.

“How’d you get this?” I lifted theDom Perignonfrom the box and inspected the label, shaking my head and grinning like a fucker.

“I won it in a hand at poker with the guards.” Tor delivered food cartons to Pascal and Serena’s laps, and mine, his, and Sunset’s on an overbed table. “I’ve been saving it for this day.”

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