The Quest (2 page)

Morgan sat facing me. “May I see your ID please?”

I withdrew the plastic card from my purse and slid it across her desk.

She snatched a piece of paper from one of the trays and a pen from the holder. “Fill this out for me.”

I stared at the form and felt a zing of panic. The document required personal information, nothing that I couldn’t provide from my ID and tax withholding amounts. So why did I feel out of sorts? Had I not worked a day in my life before? Was reality settling in that I was about to work for my enemy?

“It’s standard,” Morgan said. “We have to know how much to take out of your check.”

“Yes, of course.” I shook off the unease and picked up the pen. Maybe I hadn’t held a job before, but I had to start sometime. I loathed not having any memories.

Morgan picked up my ID. “Twenty-five, huh?” She glanced at me. “You look younger than your age.” Her chair squealed when she swiveled to face the credenza. She lifted the top of the printer and placed my card on the glass.

I thought I looked younger too, but Boss said I acted more mature and feisty for my age. So he chose twenty-five. Whatever.

Once I completed the form and returned my card to my purse, Morgan discussed the basics of government employment–time off, hours, benefits, insurance, blah-blah-blah. A half hour later, my mind felt numb.

“I see you’ll be working the four to midnight shift,” Morgan said as she stared at her computer screen. “Not many people are here during those hours.”

“From what I heard, the Senator works various hours and she needed extra help in the evenings.”

“Yes, she does have some unusual hours. Most politicians do. I think someone else works until ten for the Senator.” She typed on the keyboard while she focused her gaze on the monitor. “Yes, Lizzy Sutton. Oh, you’ll like her.”

My anxiety raised a notch with the knowledge I’d have coworker. The good news was her workday ended two hours before mine did, so I’d still have time to dig for evidence to use against the Senator. The bad news? Well, if she was a demon, or half-demon like the Senator, then I’d have to be extra cautious.

“Do you have any questions?” Morgan asked with a smile.

“No, I’m good.”
And ready to get to work so I can bring the Senator to justice.

“If you do have some later, just let me know and I’ll get an answer for you.” She got up from her chair.

Anxious to get busy, I followed Morgan out of the office.

“Oh, I have to get you a State ID,” she said, walking next to me down the hall. “It serves as a pass so you don’t have to go through security, and it will grant you access to different areas of the capital and government centers. You’ll definitely need it since you’ll be working until midnight.”

“Great,” I said, chipper. Since I wouldn’t have to pass through security anymore, I could bring my dagger and keep it hidden in my boot. On another note, I wondered what places the ID would grant me access. Of course, I’d have to be careful where I ventured. Sal once told me the State system monitored the passes–when and where someone scanned them. I wouldn’t want to risk losing my new job.

Morgan led me back the way I’d came and asked me to sit in the chair facing the camera. I squinted briefly, blinded from the bright spotlight. She sat behind the desk and tilted the camera. After a quick snap, the electronic equipment next to her made a humming noise. A few minutes later, she slid a clip through tiny hole at the top of the pass and held it for examination.

“Okay, here you go.” She handed the pass to me. “There’s just one more item we need to take care near the Senator’s office.”

I clipped the pass to the waistband of my skirt. “Okay.”

“Follow me.” She waved me onward.

I walked next to her, if not a small step ahead. Employees shuffled by with bags in their hands or on their shoulders as we headed toward the end of the hall. After turning the corner, we stepped from carpet onto vinyl flooring. My heels clacked loudly, creating a slight echo in the hall. We curved around another corner and stepped back onto carpet. The tunnel angled up and interestingly, not another soul was in sight. I suspected after five, the capital and government centers would resemble empty shells until the next day.

We reached a set of glass doors and paused while I scanned my pass on the barcode reader.

“You seem to know your way around,” she said. “Most people comment how confusing the tunnels are.”

“I know them well enough.” Since Boss and I had visited six weeks ago, I remembered the tunnels. Plus, something deep in my head made me sense I had been in the Statehouse before. I hoped spending more time at the capital would trigger a memory.

Following the path, we climbed the small staircase and spotted an office straight ahead.

“Here we are,” Morgan said, and she withdrew a key from her pocket. She unlocked the door, then pushed it open.

I walked into the small room and stopped next to a chair facing a desk. A large lateral filing cabinet consumed the far wall.

Morgan shut the door behind me. “This won’t take long. I just have to get something for you.”

She proceeded to the filing cabinet and unlocked the top drawer. At first I thought she’d turn around with more paperwork for me to complete. When she faced me with a small bracelet in her hand, I clenched my jaw.

“As part of your employment, you have to put this on,” she said, holding each end of the bracelet.

I stared at the small pendant hanging down in the center and cringed internally. A demon cop had arrested Jonas and I weeks ago and put a similar bracelet on me. The charmed pendant prevented demons from misting and half-breed angels from popping in and out of places. It also irritated flesh. Scratching and itching were common side effects that intensified the charm’s strength. Since Galluzzi knew my genetic makeup, I suspected she wanted to keep me in human form and under strict surveillance.
Bitch.

“Who keeps the key for it?” I asked.

“I do, and the Senator has one. You’ll have to wear this at all times while you work for her.”

“You mean I’m stuck wearing that thing twenty-four hours a day unless I die, get fired or quit employment?”

She gave me a jittery nod. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”

Well, fucking brilliant, Senator
. I released a big huff and shook my head in disgust. The evil bitch found a way to get back at me. Damn her.

“Do you want this on your ankle?” Morgan stepped closer. Her gaze pointed to my feet.

If I kept the bracelet on my ankle, it would be out of sight. The downside though, my boot would press the pendant into my flesh and I’d itch like crazy. I stared at the ugly piece of metal. Did I really want it on my wrist?

“Ankle is fine.” I sat in the chair and unzipped my boot–the one I didn’t use for holding my dagger.

“Those are really nice. I like the heels.” She kneeled on the floor near me. “Where did you get them?”

I slid my foot free. “They were a gift.” I lied since I had no memories before six weeks ago. Galluzzi had no idea someone stole my memories. She believed I was as normal as the first time we met, whenever that was. The only people who knew about my lack of memories were Boss, Jonas, Tabby and Sal. Though I didn’t trust the demon clan leader one freaking iota, I doubted Sal would tell her about my memory loss. He utterly despised the Senator and would be happy if the she fell off the face of the Earth–a feeling I shared with him.

“There,” Morgan said, following a soft
click
. “All set.”

I slipped my foot back into my boot and zipped it. Immediately, my skin itched where the pendant touched me.

Morgan stood and dusted off her slacks. “Are you ready to meet with the Senator?”

Did I honestly want to see the evil bitch again? I rose and grinned politely. “I’m ready.”

“Follow me.”

Morgan led the way through the tunnel to the central part of the capital. We came to a set of large doors with a security reader posted next to them. I scanned my pass and followed Morgan into the underbelly of the capital. The aroma of popcorn drifted in the air, tickling my taste buds. Maybe I’d find time for a break later to grab a snack.

As we drew near the Senator’s office, the excitement I’d had for starting the job quickly shifted into concern. Galluzzi would undoubtedly make my job difficult. She wanted me dead, and I wanted her brought to justice. Weren’t we just the friendliest bunch of women? Regardless, I held my chin up. Difficult didn’t mean impossible.

We stopped in front of the pair of wood doors. Morgan knocked hard with her knuckles.

“Come in,” the Senator yelled from the other side.

Morgan twisted the knob and pushed open the door. My heart raced. I dreaded seeing the face of the woman who had tried to kill me, was somehow responsible for my mother’s death, was definitely to blame for killing thirty people at the dump and, without a doubt, still planned to end my own existence. When the door opened wide enough, a huge surprise slapped me in the face.

“Hello, Shelley,” Sal said, from one of the leather chairs. The demon clan leader had a devious smile and rocked his foot. “Nice to see you again.”

Oh fuck!
Why was he visiting the Senator on my first day?

Chapter 2

Mouth wide, I stared at the demon clan leader. A million thoughts swarmed my mind. The predominant one–did Sal just rat on me? Boss had told me demons craved power. Did he strike a bargain to gain more power over the Senator?

“Come in, please,” Galluzzi said.

I followed Morgan into the room. Anger boiled in my blood as I stared at Sal. He’d made it known to me six weeks ago how much he hated the Senator and wanted nothing to do with her. Why? Because the female half-breed outranked him. She had planned to run in the next presidential race, which would have given her greater power over
all
demons. But I convinced her to withdraw by bluffing her. I honestly didn’t care about politics or her run for president. What I did care about were the lives of my friends. Sal agreed to call his goons away from them and remove the all points bulletin out for me if I convinced her. Once I told her I would expose the truth about me and what happened at the dump, she willingly withdrew her name from the race. The chauvinist pig got what he wanted, and so did I. So, why did he stop by to chat with her, on my first day of work no less?

Sal stood. “I do believe it’s time for me to leave.”

He wore his long, brown hair tied in a low ponytail behind his head. Dressed in a business suit, he looked like an Italian mafia figure except he lacked the muscles for the part. He had a lean frame and a narrow face that offered little appeal to the eye. Not to mention, his ashy scent incited me to run out for fresh air.

The Senator stood up from behind her desk. “Must you leave so soon?” Her arrogant voice made my skin crawl.

I strode toward Sal, clenching the strap of my purse tight in my hand. “Don’t go on my account.”

“As much as I’d love to stay and chat with you two fine ladies, I have business to attend to.”

Prick.

He strode past me with that same wicked grin from before.

“Nice to see you again,
Sal
,” I said, stopping him before he reached the open door.

He turned to face me. “Shelley, call my office and set up a meeting. We really do need to spend some time together. I have exciting news to share with you.” His gaze shifted to the Senator. He gave her a nod before he left.

The idea of spending time with that demon made me nauseous, yet, I was curious to learn why he paid a visit to his archenemy. I’d consider a meeting with him later.

“Shelley,” Senator Galluzzi said as she stepped around her desk. Her professional attire consisted of a silk blouse, navy blue skirt and heels. She extended her hand. “Welcome.”

Frowning, I glanced away from her and to Morgan. No way would I shake the hand of a murderer.

“Morgan, would you excuse us please?” the Senator asked.

“Sure, I’ll wait outside.” She left quietly, closing the door behind her.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I glowered at the Senator. Her fancy pearls, dangling earrings and styled, wavy locks, all reflective of her power and wealth, didn’t impress me. Maybe she thought the strip of gray above her forehead looked stylish, but I thought it made her look twice her age.

“Shelley,” she paused, smiling, “I hired you so we could become closer and help each other. While you are
my
employee, I expect you to act professional and courteous. If you wish to retain your employment, you need to forget about the past. What matters is the future. Can I count on your cooperation?”

I pressed my lips together to prevent a snarky remark. Without any doubt, she wanted me closer so she’d have better chances to kill me. I wasn’t a fool. As for the future, I looked forward to it since it involved finding evidence to convict her dumb ass.

“Sure thing, Senator.” I lowered my arms slowly.

She took in a deep breath and walked around her desk. “Have you spoken with your father?” She sat down in her large, leather chair and scooted forward.

“Briefly,” I lied. Whenever she mentioned my father, my stomach churned. How did she know him? Who was he? How could I reach him? I couldn’t ask her any of those questions without tipping her off about my memory loss.

“Did you tell him you were coming to work for me?” Her bracelets rattled on her desk as she threaded her fingers together.

Why did she feel the need to keep probing me about my father?

“What I do is my business,” I replied with a shrug.

A burst of laughter flew out of her. “Oh, Shelley.” She leaned back in her cushy seat. “You haven’t changed.”

“I beg to differ.” Ire got the better of me. I hated the fact this woman knew my past and knew who my parents were while I couldn’t recall a single fucking memory prior to waking up at the dump. Keeping calm, I balled my fists tight, nails digging into my skin.

The Senator’s grin faded. She jerked forward and leaned over her desk. “Why are you here, Shelley? Why do you want to work for me?”