Well, good for Brazen and Kix.
And good for me, too.
RTP training tended to last a couple of weeks, which would keep Brazen out of my hair until then. Plus, they’d likely get assigned to handle small-time runners. Retrievers had to crawl up the ladder, just like everyone else, after all.
“I guess that’s it for now,” the chief said. “Commissions are in your accounts. You didn’t get any full payouts, but since you ended up dragging down a number of players who have been missing for a while, it’ll probably be a nice payday for you both.”
Reaper seemed to sigh in relief.
“Thanks, Chief,” we both said as we walked out.
Chapter 31
Brazen and Kix were back at their desks when we returned, and they were all smiles. Obviously they’d seen their acceptance notifications from the chief.
After what we’d just been through, I was shocked they still wanted in. Then again, I’d felt the same way back when I started.
“Thanks, Piper,” Brazen said with a gleam in his eye. “Honestly didn’t expect you to have my back.”
“Just trying to get you two buffoons out of my hair,” I said, smirking. Then added, “Seriously, though, you guys did a good job. You deserve the chance at this.” I pointed at them both. “Just don’t fuck it up and make me look bad. My name is on that recommendation.”
They grabbed their new coats and headed down the aisle toward the training stations.
“They’re not wasting any time,” noted Reaper.
“Can’t blame them,” I replied.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, which gave me time to pick through emails and look at the perp boards. Nothing overly exciting was going on, but there’d be something up soon. There always was.
“Piper,” Reaper said, “why didn’t you bring up our partnership with the chief?”
I sat back in my chair and looked over at him, wishing we had a partition between us.
“Because everything turned out okay,” I answered. “You’re still a royal pain in the ass, Reap, but what’s the point in dumping you now? Carter will likely just drop a fresh pain in the ass on me instead.”
Reaper grinned. “Better the pain in the ass you know than the pain in the ass you don’t, eh?”
“Something like that.”
“So we’re going to remain partners for good, then?”
I looked at him. He did have some pretty impressive skills. And while he made me hesitate at first, he ended up becoming an asset as the case went on.
“I guess so,” I answered, shrugging.
He grinned. “Damn.”
Obviously he’d taken an ibuprofen. Of all the partners I could get sidled with, mine had to be one who got stoned on basic painkillers.
“Now what do we do?” he asked. “I’m guessing we’re going to hunt for Azura?”
“We’ll keep an eye out for her, definitely,” I answered, looking away in thought. I glanced back at him a moment later. “Reap, have you ever heard of Keller?”
In response, his smile faded and his eyes went full high-beam.
“I’m guessing you have heard of him, then?”
He nodded slowly.
“Anything you’d care to share, Reap?”
“Not a lot,” he said, peering up at me. “He was a mage who did some pretty awful things in the late eighties and early nineties.” He shrugged. “There’s not much more I can say about it.”
I nodded at him, figuring the name would eventually click.
For now I had to get some food and rest. Contrary to popular belief, fighting bad guys wasn’t exactly leisurely.
“See you tomorrow, Reap.”
“Have a good evening, Piper.”
I walked out, thinking that maybe having him around as a partner wasn’t so awful. It was damn sure better than getting stuck with someone like Brazen.
That thought made me shudder.
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John P. Logsdon
www.JohnPLogsdon.com
John was raised in the MD/VA/DC area. Growing up, John had a steady interest in writing stories, playing music, and tinkering with computers. He spent over 20 years working in the video games industry where he acted as designer and producer on many online games. He’s written science fiction, fantasy, humor, and even books on game development. While he enjoys writing lighthearted adventures and wacky comedies most, he can’t seem to turn down writing darker fiction. John lives with his wife, son, and Chihuahua.
Christopher P. Young
Chris grew up in the Maryland suburbs. He spent the majority of his childhood reading and writing science fiction and learning the craft of storytelling. He worked as a designer and producer in the video games industry for a number of years as well as working in technology and admin services. He enjoys writing both serious and comedic science fiction and fantasy. Chris lives with his wife and an ever-growing population of critters.
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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2018 by John P. Logsdon & Christopher P. Young
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.
Published by: Crimson Myth Press (www.CrimsonMyth.com)
Cover Art: Jake Logsdon (www.JakeLogsdon.com)
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