Page 8 of (Mostly) Human Resources

“You’re welcome. Though I’d suggest in future you allow for more time. We researchers don’t have nearly as much time on our hands as you lot in Human Resources.” He dismissed her with the flick of his wrist.

Alexys blew out the stupid candle and stormed out of his office.

CHAPTER 4

“Entity values our Wardens and considers them to be the backbone of the company. Their bravery, skill, and perseverance are what allow us to do our best to make the world a better and safer place.”

Entity Employee Handbook: Warden Edition

“Hi, Dad,” Alexys whispered.

She’d taken the long way back to her desk, pausing in the Hall of Heroes to stand beneath her father’s photo. Its walls held portraits of Entity’s most famous and recognized Wardens and Reapers, from the legendary J. T. Cross to the very first Warden, Angela Hargrove. There was a stark contrast between the portraits of Reapers and Wardens, an affable nature that permeated all the most celebrated Wardens, and an icy coldness that embodied each and every Reaper. They were, in Alexys’s opinion, a dark stain on Entity’s philanthropic reputation.

Therealmonster hunters.

Tasked with regulating populations and eliminating aggressive or deadly creatures, Reapers were ruthless in their pursuit to protect humanity. She’d never actually met one—they were totallyenigmatic—but the stories were nasty enough to make Alexys hope she never did. Alexys refocused her attention to the far-right side of the wall, middle row, to the placard and portrait of Michael Keane.

“Been a while, but you know how review season gets.” Her dad’s portrait smiled down at her, his face clean-shaven, thick salt-and-pepper hair perfectly combed back. His eyes, a vivid blue a few shades lighter than her own, held a familiar glint of mischief, the same one her brother inherited but that seemed to skip Alexys altogether.

She sighed. She missed himso much.

Even on canvas, her dad radiated kindness and bravery that few others possessed. Alexys stole a glance either side of the hall to ensure it was still empty. “So,” she breathed. “Mom’s doing fine. Although Garrett’s giving her grief about buying a motorcycle again.” She reached out and straightened his frame ever so slightly. “Reviews are out in the field this year,” she continued, frowning. “It was a group decision so …” Her voice trailed off.

Alexys wished, like she always did, that his portrait would say something. That he’d give her some sage advice or heartwarming comfort that would make her day just a little easier. But his image remained quiet.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it. I’m not exactly experienced, not like you.” A memory surfaced then, one so strong Alexys could almost hear Michael’s voice say,Don’t say you can’t. Can’t never could. As long as you’ve tried your best, you’ve succeeded in my eyes.

Granted, he had said it about her fourth-grade math homework that, at the time, felt absolutely impossible. But the adage stuck with her over the years. He’d said it when she was learning to ride a bike, and when she’d tried out for sports. Eventually, it became their motto:Can’t never could.

Maybe he would have said something different to her now, since he’d been killed in the field. Alexys imagined he wouldn’t want hergoing anywhere near a Warden’s job, but she also knew that he wasn’t the sort of man to live in fear. He’d tried to instill in her and Garrett both a sense of adventure and confidence, the conviction that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. Shesoneeded that kind of confidence to get her through the next few weeks, but Alexys never felt particularly brave, or adventurous. And then there was still the whole nightmare issue, which certainly wasn’t doing her brain or body any favors.

“Do you think …” she started, but voices down the hall cut her conversation short. She gave the portrait a limp wave before gathering up her things and heading back up to her desk.

Alexys had only just sat down when something moved at the edge of her sight.

“Hey, Alexys.” She didn’t need to look to know who that voice belonged to. Zachary Hornsby, one of Nic’s research assistants and, most crucially, her favorite of Nic’s assistants. Not only was he a brilliant mind, he was also a conspiracy theory junkie, which, to Alexys, only made him more endearing.

“Zach.” Alexys swiveled her chair to face him. “Coming up for air?” she teased.

“Something like that.” He smirked.

“Are you here with anupdate?” Alexys lowered her voice.

“You mean on thesuper-special,super-secret, definitely don’t tell Nic about, I’m amazing for helping you with, mystery case?” There was a beat of silence. Alexys crossed her arms.

“Well? Did you read that new case I sent you? The boy with the nightmares?”

“Yes, but it won’t be much help. From what I gather, his nightmares are quite different to yours, so I’m not seeing the connection, unfortunately.”

“Damn,” Alexys sighed, “I was hoping it’d be useful. What about your own research, then? Any luck in the Archives?” He winced, and Alexys felt her stomach drop.

“Alexys, there’s nothing in the Archives, I’ve told you that. I combed through them by hand for good measure but trying to find brand new information off the recordandwithout making an official documented request is … How should I put it?” There was sympathy in his big, brown eyes, and he tucked a stray strand of purple hair behind his ear. It was a much more vibrant color than last month’s blue, but Alexys thought it suited him. “Difficult,” he stated.

Impossible.That’s what he was really trying to say.

Alexys pressed her lips together, hoping to swallow down the disappointment. She already felt guilty enough getting Zach involved off the books, but the longer his research yielded little results, the more it felt like she was wasting his time. She’d almost been too embarrassed to even ask for help in the first place, truthfully. It wasn’t easy to confide in someone, especially a researcher under Nic’s watchful eye.

Could things get any worse?