Page 51 of Trick Me
Yet, somehow, the words land on me like a stone. Can someone say they care and still vanish over and over? Still lie? Still carve out entire lives without you in them?
Ash’s face flashes behind my eyes.
The way he lookedat me.
The way he said he wouldn’t let me out of his sight.
But he did. He’s gone.
Just like everyone leaves.
Mrs. Lindqvist stands, movements graceful and decisive. The power radiating off her isn’t magical, but it’s powerful all the same.
“I don’t actually care what his excuses are,” she says, smoothing her jacket like she’s brushing off the past. “This is the last time I’ll be here. I just wanted him to know that despite all his lies, all his betrayals, all his pathetic attempts at hiding assets, I’m going to have an amazing life.”
She glances around the room. Her gaze is steady, sharp as a blade.
“I’m going to spend your money, Erik, on things that would make you furious. I’m going to fuck men half your age on the yacht you loved more than me. I’m going to live, gloriously and vindictively, while you”—her voice drops into something cold and final—“are just dead.”
Even I can’t help it.
I grin.
Erik’s ghost is vibrating, jaw clenched, hands fisting like he could do something about it.
He can’t.
She’s won.
And honestly? Good for her.
He vanishes like the wind, just like that.
Mrs. Lindqvist drops a small transparent bag of gold coins in my lap with enough wealth to pay for my rental for a year. “A tip just for you to buy yourself something nice, dear.”
“Thank you so much.”
Then she’s gone, closing the door behind her, and I’m staring at the generous tip, deciding that Sera and I are going to take a holiday.
I stroll out of the meeting room, needing air. Or water. Or possibly something stronger. At my desk, I drop the coins into my bag, then go in search of Sera.
She’s leaning against the reception desk with a grin that sets off every internal alarm.
“What’re you up to?” I ask, eyeing her with suspicion.
“Me? Nothing. Innocent as a lamb. Pure as snow. Trustworthy as?—”
“Sera.”
She sighs, still smirking. “The boss wants to see you. Aurora Room.”
My stomach drops.
The Aurora Room is our most exclusive consultation space, reserved for special clients or cases involving multiple spirits. Not where you get summoned for casual chats. Definitely not where you want to be called unexpectedly.
“What did I do?” I ask, heart thudding.
“Nothing. Just go.” She winks. “Trust me.”
