Free Deadly Lover by Charlee Allden

“It’s a Council symbol, right?”
    Kiq had kept a small leather bound book embossed with a similar symbol.
    “Ah, yes. The Perpetuation Medallion symbolizes our commitment to the Principals of Perpetuation. A reminder that we must always represent the good of our descendants. Each member of the Council wears one.”
    Vaj pointed to the broad top end of the first triangle and traced his finger down to the center circle, only the tips of his claws showing. “Many contribute to the making of one—” he drew his finger from the center to the broad base of the bottom triangle, “—and the one contributes to the survival of the many.” He wrapped his hand around the medallion in a gesture that looked habitual.
    Bradley smoothed a hand down his suit jacket. “The Council negotiated the treaty allowing the Ormney to make a home here. And it’s up to them to ensure the terms of the treaty are followed to the letter.”
    “Or to renegotiate terms when needed,” Vaj added.
    Lily got the distinct impression the conversation had drifted back to whatever they’d been discussing before she arrived. The Ormney Affairs office had a reputation for being ultra-pro-Ormney, so the undertones between Bradley and Vaj struck her as odd. “I don’t want to interrupt.”
    “No problem at all.” Bradley put out an arm as if subconsciously corralling them all to the door. “Vaj, perhaps we could continue our discussion later this afternoon.”
    Vaj inclined his head in a stately manner. “Certainly.” He met and held Lily’s gaze for a heartbeat. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Agent Rowan.”
    The Councilor left the conference room and Bradley led Lily a few steps down the hall to his office. In under a minute, he had Deepwater Regional Field Director Marjorie Gardot on his office-com.
    “Marjorie, good to see you again. Thanks for taking my call.”
    The image of the short, fiftyish woman with a cool smile and assessing eyes loomed large on the video display wall. “I see Agent Rowan is there with you. Can I assume you’re calling to officially request her reassignment?”
    Bradley’s smile tightened beneath the weight of Gardot’s scrutiny, but he didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Precisely.”
    The woman gave away nothing of her thoughts. “Agent Rowan.”
    “Director Gardot,” Lily acknowledged.
    “Bradley, you’ll excuse a moment.” Without waiting for a response, Gardot turned her back to the screen and her voice switched from the office com to the com-link in Lily’s ear. “I’m clearing you for reassignment to this case, but I’m not clearing you to divulge any further information related to your last assignment.”
    Despite the director’s unremarkable tone, Lily accepted it for the stern rebuke it was. The director wasn’t pleased she’d shared information about the possibility of negative Ormney drug reactions with Metro.
    “Understood, Director.”
    “And, Agent—” the director paused as if she wanted to make sure she had Lily’s full attention, “—I expect you to keep your responsibilities to this office clearly in focus in this matter.”
    Lily measured Gardot’s words and the possible meaning behind them. “Yes, Director.”
    With her acknowledgment, the director turned back to face the vid and Bradley. “Always a pleasure, Mr. Rubiero. Close com.”
    The screen went dark abruptly, leaving them standing side by side in front of the quiet com station.
    Bradley sucked in a breath as if he needed to reset after the director’s abruptness. He turned to face Lily. “You’re looking a lot better this morning, but you still look tired. You okay?” He reached over to Lily and tried to slide his hand into hers.
    She stepped away, to put some distance between them. “I’m fine.”
    “Okay, then, can you tell me what that sidebar was about?”
    Lily lifted a shoulder to her ear in a less than subtle deflection. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
    Bradley laughed. “You in