Page 24 of (Mostly) Human Resources

“You still there?” Natalie called.

“Yeah, I am. Find anything?” Alexys scrambled to pick up the phone.

“Okay, so, Mercyhill,” Natalie said, “is a tiny mining town with a population of, like, fifty. It’s about a two-hour drive from where you are.”

Alexys sighed. She’d need to rent a car, which likely meant she’d need to backtrack to the airport. The accounting team would have a field day with her expense report.

“Are there printable directions you can send me, at least? I don’t really feel like driving blind through the Appalachian Mountains.”

“As nostalgic as MapQuest would be, we’re in the twenty-first century, girl. Use your map app. Actually, hang on.” Alexys’s phone dinged with an email notification. “That’s the town pin on a map,” Natalie explained. “I’d have the front desk print directions off for you before you go. I have a sneaking suspicion the reception isn’t great out there.”

“Of course not,” Alexys grumbled. “That would be too easy. This is why I didn’t want these damn reviews to be in-person.”

Natalie laughed in agreement. “I’ll let Kristin know things are going swimmingly then. Keep me updated when you can, and don’t hesitate to call the emergency line if anything goes wrong. Entity boots can be on the ground in minutes,” Natalie said.

“I know, I know.”

“Good. Stay vigilant, Lex. And also, pleasedon’t get murdered.”

“No guarantees.” Alexys chuckled nervously. “Thanks for your help, Nat. I’ll …”

The ancient tumbler of the room’s lock turned over—she’d not thought to double-lock it—and the door swung open.

CHAPTER 14

“Continuous learning is crucial for staying ahead—take advantage of all opportunities to expand your knowledge. Curiosity should be one of your most well-honed skills.”

Entity Employee Handbook: R&C Edition

The first thing Nic noticed when he entered Elliot’s room wasn’t Alexys’s shocked expression or her phone which she’d dropped on the floor. In fact, he barely noticed her at all. His attention was immediately grabbed by what looked to be a true crime inspired murder board on the wall behind her.

“What. The. Hell.Dyre?!”All the color had drained from her face and a sharp scowl formed at her brow. He waved a hand at her by way of greeting and stepped past her to get a better look at the mess of red string.

“Afternoon, Keane. Fret not, I’m here to help.”

Alexys snatched her phone up off the floor and stepped in front of him, blocking his view. She jabbed her index finger into his chest to emphasize her words. “I asked for areport, not yourinsufferablepresence.”

Nic grabbed her hand to prevent any further abuse to his chest. “I didn’t realize I needed your permission to travel. Have I missed the news of your promotion?”

Alexys’s face fell ever so slightly, but it was gone in an instant. She jerked her hand free and pointed toward the door.

“Leave.” She spat the word like it was bitter in her mouth. “Now!”

“Unfortunately, I can’t.” He sidestepped her again and refocused his attention on a series of news clippings. “This is quite impressive,” he remarked.

“Gee thanks,” Alexys said sarcastically. She moved to block his view again.

It might have worked if she wasn’t nearly an entire foot shorter than him.

Nic’s lips twitched, and he cocked his head to the side. “What’s all this, then?”

Alexys groaned and dropped her arms. “It’s Elliot’s.”

He glanced back down at her and arched a brow. “Obviously.”

“I just found it. I …” She took a deep breath. “I’m worried. I can’t get hold of him.”

Nic nodded but said nothing. He didn’t want to admit what he knew, especially not when he had a direct hand in Elliot’s unsanctioned investigation. Given her love of rules, he knew it would only set her off, and he needed her to cooperate if he wanted to get access to Elliot’s findings.