Chapter 156

Chapter 156

It didnt feel great doing this to Miles. Fed or not, I meant what I said. He was a good guy. But this was about survival now. And survival was where I lived.

No. I struggled to my feet.

Im not sure if I understand. Miles said.

Youre being very patient with me, but I want this over with. I started to walk towards the Adventurers Guild building. Miles caught my arm and redirected me down the sidewalk instead.

Come on, the Five Guys down that way just reopened.

Not exactly hungry, Miles.

Yes, youre very determined, I can see that. Miles ignored my complaints and continued to push me towards the restaurant. But be practical. You look like life punched you in the balls and kept swinging after the count. At least go to the bathroom and wash your face. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Its fine.

Its not, Matt, Miles hissed. He checked around us before he spoke. Look. It took a lot to get you in that room. These guys are pros. If they sense weakness, theyre not going to give you the time of day.

It was a good half-measure, seeing that there wasnt an easy way for him to get out of this now. He was giving me time to collect myself and prepare for the bus that was about to hit me. While I was in the bathroom, he was going to message his colleagues, tell them to go easy. Some of them might. But hed probably spent the last few days convincing them, going over the profile. Their first thought would be suspicion. That Id gotten to him.

Sorry. I hiccuped.

No, kid, Im sorry. I was so gung-ho to fix my fuckup, I nearly gave you a heart attack on the street.

Fuckup? I asked curiously.

Miles almost said something, then bit it back. Not your problem.

He stayed by the door while I power-walked to the bathroom. I turned the water on and cleaned my face, but didnt bother with pressing a paper towel against my eyes to reduce the redness. I wanted Miles to remember, while his taskforce slammed the Iron Maiden home.

Youre terrifying. Talia muttered.

Was that panic attack real? Azure asked, clearly about to gush.

I shot Kinsley a message.





Fuck.

Squelch. Had to be.

Miles was seriously doubting himself, but he was too clever to drop his guard completely.

I held my hand out. The shaking had stopped. We dont have much time. Talia, I need you on standby in case this goes sideways. Stay ready.

Foster was a dark-skinned man in a black t-shirt and jeans, his head shaved completely bald.

Skeptic

Cook never quite outgrew the frat phase and had the kind of face that made him look like he was constantly chewing something. His Hawaiian print shirt was unbuttoned around three buttons lower than anyone would reasonably be comfortable with.

Detractor

Waller immediately returned to his notes, peering through opaque framed Ray Bans at a yellow legal pad. He wore a vest over his t-shirt that looked vaguely bohemian, all random chevrons and muted colors.

Detractor

Hawkins, wore a simple tank-top and slacks, her blonde hair framed in a short cut bob.

Undecided

Everyone, this is Matt. Our behind-the-scenes correspondent for the afternoon. Miles said.

Hi Matt. Hawkins smile reached gigawatt levels as she turned up the charm. She shook my hand in both of hers, and her touch lingered. Thanks for taking the time.

Always heartwarming when the local celebrities pencil in the little people. Cook smirked, giving me a half-wave.

It was the least I could do, considering the circumstances. I channeled Nicks casual friendliness. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Miles flag. That regret he felt for railroading me made him my strongest ally in this room by far.

Waller. Miles snapped his fingers. Youre the expert, here. Want to kick us off?

Waller peered over his glasses at Miles, then his eyes slid to me. Given the choice, Id prefer to start with our new addition.

Miles stopped mid-step, genuine confusion in his face. Thats a little unexpected. Matt is a guest.

We can theorize all we want, but its no substitute for someone who knew the man. Waller jotted something down. I focused a small burst of mana on his pen and the tip snapped, spilling ink over the page. Shit. Waller tried to rip the page free before the ink bled through. Judging from the annoyed look on his face, he failed. Pursing his lips, he glanced up at me. Is that amenable?

Of course. I took three long steps towards the table before Waller held up his hand to stop me.

There, if you please. He pointed to a single bottomed out office chair at the window side of the room. The placement was extraordinarily well-thought-out. Anyone who happened to be looking could see me from the outside, oblivious to my state, while Miles and the rest of his people were perfectly shielded. Id have to look back and between the projector screen and the panel, while they could monitor both my reactions and the screen simultaneously.

And of course, Id bet every bit of selve Kinsley had paid me on the office chair being broken, locked in a lower position.

I watched for the telltale shimmer from my periphery as Azure slithered from my shadow into the shade beneath the table. Once he was in, I gave Waller a bemused smile and took a seat on the office chair, standing briefly to pull the lever and raise it.

It worked, but only until I sat down. The chair lowered me slowly to its previous place with a muted hiss.

Miles took his seat at the end of the table, looking mildly sick to his stomach.

Now.

How did I want to play this?