Delinquents Turned Fugitives - Ann Denton Page 0,56

what I’m here about anyway,” I retorted as I slid into her leather chair. It had nice lumbar support, and if I were someone else, someone with normal problems, I could see myself relaxing into it as I spilled all my secrets. But I was me. And I didn’t have time for that shit. I still had work to do.

My toe started tapping the floor as Potts came back. She didn’t go behind her desk, like I expected; she leaned against the side and turned her head to look at me, sharp-eyed as a hawk. “Tell me,” she commanded.

I tried to give her the brief version, but sorrow has a way of wedging itself in and making simple tasks, like talking, harder. It took several choked-up minutes before I could get the basics out. But I didn’t cry. I wouldn’t let myself. I wasn’t here to mourn. I was here to help Matthew.

“I need to know how to unravel the illusion spells you put on Matthew’s room.”

Potts raised her brows. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

I glared at her. “I didn’t ask for recommendations.” I bit my lip. “Look. Sorry. That came out bitchy.” I met her eyes and for a second, let my real expressions through. “You’ve heard what’s going on with the vamps. What if they decide mass “extermination” is necessary? What if they move them? He’s all I have left.”

The silence grew so long that I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears. Potts’ help would make this damn thing so much faster. And with stupid-ass Callum causing an uproar, I needed every extra second of help.

"How are you even going to get inside?" Potts asked. "I tried this morning, to go renew the spells on him. No visitors."

I shrugged. "Haven't gotten there yet. They'll reopen soon," I lied. I didn't want to reveal that I was planning on breaking and entering. Especially not if that cop already associated her with criminals. I didn't want him coming back and using a damn Honesty Amulet to get her to spill everything she knew about me. I was already hesitant. In fact, I stood suddenly, wondering if the asshole had planted anything in her office. "Can we go for a walk? I'm thirsty. I need something to drink."

"We just—"

I went over to her filing cabinet and yanked open the drawer that she'd been standing in front of when I'd first come in. I yanked out several files.

"Hey! Those are confidential!"

I ignored her and slid my hand inside the cabinet, feeling along the bottom of the next drawer up. My fingers brushed against a small, half-moon shaped object. I grabbed it and pulled. The magnet that had held it to the metal came loose pretty easily and I pulled my hand out of the cabinet, holding up a tiny amulet for Potts to see.

I couldn't tell by looking at it what kind of amulet it was, but I knew for a fact that it wasn't an Honesty Amulet or I'd never have pulled off my ditz move earlier. Maybe it was only magically recording our words, like a wiretap. Hopefully that was it. Part of me wanted to crush it. But that would make me look guilty. Better to put it back and let Muller think he had the upper hand. It would be better to keep our conversation in here innocent and obnoxious.

Potts raised her hands and her fingers curled into claws, like she was ready to attack.

I didn't say anything, just carefully replaced the amulet, trying not to let it make a sound. Then I tried to think of a way to cover for what had just happened. I started to fake cry. "I just wanted to see what Mom said about me. When she sent me here. But I can't even see my own file? That's bullshit."

Potts blew out a breath but took my cue. "Hayl—" she started to say my name but cut herself off when I gave a quick shake of my head. No need for Muller and his Pinhead cronies to track me any easier. "Hey, look. Your mom just wanted what was best for you."

I strode toward the door, ignoring her, betting that her curiosity would make her follow. It did. She snapped like I'd put a leash on her, and I heard footsteps trailing across the carpet as I yanked open the door and stepped into her reception room. I glanced around, but didn't see a glowing amulet in there. That didn't