Page 22 of Salem's Fall
“With all due respect, you’re my partner—your job isn’t to protect me, it’s to work alongside me,” I say. “Come on, Quinn. We both know I have to go to Salem’s Fall.”
“It’s not just me or the firm.” His gaze flickers with an emotion I can’t quite place. Concern? Fear? Maybe even a hint of guilt. “The client doesn’t want anyone else going either. He won’t authorize any travel expenses.”
My skin warms. I think I know what’s going on. Damien obviously approved of travel when it involved Mark going to investigate. For whatever reason, he clearly doesn’t want me going to Salem’s Fall.
These damn men. Just who the hell do they think they are?
“Since when does Damien Blackhollow get to dictate how we conduct our defense?” I push my coffee and baked goods away with an annoyed shove. “It’s our responsibility to advocate for our client, and that includes followingeverylead, no matter how strange. Damien hired us because we’re the best. He needs to let us do our damn job,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “And, frankly, if he doesn’t like the way we do it, he should find another firm.”
There’s a long beat of silence as Quinn stares at me with a mix of both annoyance and admiration on his face.
“You’re really something, you know that?” he asks. “Inever would’ve dreamed of talking to a senior partner like this.”
I smile a bit sheepishly. “But that’s why you hired me, isn’t it? You’d hate having a ‘yes man’ on your team.”
Affection flashes in his eyes, and I know I’m right. I am a handful, but I get the job done. Well, except for that terrible screwup on my last case, but that was a one-time thing, and I’m determined to make up for it.
“Okay, fine.” Quinn exhales, a resigned look settling over his face. “You can go to Salem’s Fall, but this is a quick trip. You find what you can and come back immediately,” he says. “I’ll deal with Blackhollow.”
I jump up eagerly. Even though it’s not exactly appropriate, and I’m not a hugger, I throw my arms around him.
“Thanks, Quinn! I won’t let you down!”
He’s so close, I can feel the heat between our bodies, the air between us charged with something unspoken. Quinn’s eyes meet mine, holding me there, and for a moment, I see it—the concern for me, the protective instinct he’s trying to disguise as professional caution.
My breath catches as he leans in further, just a fraction, his eyes dipping down to my lips before snapping back up again. Then, just as quickly, he pulls back, his jaw tightening. His voice drops lower, rougher.
“Be careful, James,” he says. “I mean it.”
Lucky watches me on my bed with curious eyes as I pack my oversized suitcase. After I get the basics and my work supplies into my bag, I toss in a few extra outfits—far more than necessary. Quinn called this a quick trip to Salem’s Fall, but I always like to be prepared.
My first real out-of-town work trip.
Excitement buzzes through me, though I know I should be wary too. If Mark was killed for getting too close to the truth, and that truth is in Salem’s Fall, I’m walking straight into danger. And yet, all I can think about is cracking this case wide open. If I help Quinn win, the sky’s the limit for me at Whitehall & Rowe.
As I zip the bulging suitcase shut, Lucky nudges his little nose against the leather handle. His yellow eyes flick up to me, curious with just a bit of concern.
“Don’t worry, boy. You’re coming with me,” I say, tossing his favorite feather wand into my tote.
As if I’d ever leave Lucky behind. Maddie is far too unreliable to be trusted. She’d probably forget to feed my cat. She can barely remember to feed herself.
Plus, I hate being away from Lucky. He’s been a constant source of love and comfort for me ever since I rescued him years ago. When I found him in the alleybehind my high school a few weeks after Mom died, I’d been worried Aunt Aggie would make me take him to a shelter. But she’d been supportive of adopting the cat, reading that pets can do wonders for kids and grief. And she was right.
Lucky and I bonded right away. Back then, he was the only thing that got me through the nightmares as I dealt with the pain of Mom’s death. It was uncanny, the way he adjusted to my moods, curling up beside me when I needed comfort, playful when I needed a distraction. Almost like he knew what I was thinking and needed even before I did.
Now, he trots after me as I roll my suitcase into the living room, his tail flicking like he already knows what’s coming.
“You’re going to love Salem’s Fall,” I joke, coaxing Lucky inside his cat carrier. “It’s the perfect place for a black cat. You’ll fit right in with all the other familiars.”
“Okay, Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” Maddie smirks from the couch, watching us. “You’re such a weirdo, always talking to that cat like he understands you.”
Lucky lets out an indignant little hiss, swiping his tail against the mesh of his carrier like he’s insulted.
I shoot Maddie a smug smile. “See? He does.”
She just snorts, shaking her head.
“Whatever.”
