Read Online Bound Together by Corinn Heathers - Free Book Online Page B

the Relic I felt a stirring that could only be described as uneasiness. I returned my attention to Agent Williams. “So why are you here?”
    “I'm sure you've guessed already.”
    “You want me to join AEGIS.” It was sensible and unsurprising. If the Relic would only bind to a wielder with the consent of the spirit that inhabited it, threats and coercion would be ineffective. The next best thing, of course, would be money.
    “Yes. Miss Ashley, I believe you will be very interested in our offer, should you wish to hear it. We understand that your position at the Records & Licensing Agency is not one you favor. Your compensation package is also mediocre at best. You can do far better.”
    I puffed away at my cigarette for a moment and took a sip from my beer. I usually get more than a little suspicious when people start casually hinting at large dollar amounts, but he was right. My job sucked, the pay sucked and while he was nice enough not to mention it, I was probably fired. He had me dead to rights and he knew it.
    “Please, take a look at the contract on offer. I understand this is sudden, so feel free to ask me any questions you might have.”
    Williams reached into his coat and drew out a folded sheet of paper. This he passed across the table to me. I unfolded the sheet and started to read. I tried to cover my shock at what they offered with a glug of beer, but I felt hopelessly transparent. The AEGIS man had the advantage here for sure.
    “This looks pretty good to me, but there are a few things I'd like to add.”
    “Certainly. We're very willing to negotiate, Miss Ashley.”
    I tapped my chest. “Her former Master's family isn't likely to just let me keep this thing, Agent Williams. I want assurance that AEGIS will be able to protect me from any unfortunate incidents, if you catch my meaning.”
    “That goes without saying,” Williams replied, sounding somewhat miffed that I'd call into question his organization's ability to look out for its own. “We take care of our people, Miss Ashley. You can count on that.”
    “Fair enough.”
    Williams shifted in his chair. “What else?”
    “I can't make this decision alone, Agent Williams. There's someone else I have to talk to about this since it involves the both of us.”
    “Our dossier on you indicated that you were single and have only intermittent contact with your family.” Williams arched an eyebrow. “Please understand that everything we have discussed should be held under strict confidence. This information is classified at the very highest levels, for the sake of national security.”
    “That's not what I mean, Agent.” I finished off my beer and lit another cigarette. My throat wasn't going to like me tomorrow morning, but whatever. I wasn't in the best place and I'd take just about anything I could to calm my nerves.
    “Then you'd best elaborate.”
    “Oh, come off it. You know damn well what I'm talking about. She's part of this, too, maybe even more than I am. Isn't that why you want me, Mister AEGIS?”
    I was bullshitting more than a little here, but it seemed to be working. Williams perfect facade of calm, bland civility slipped and the man looked uncomfortable for the first time since he'd arrived.
    “I was under the impression that the Relic's governing intelligence would have little choice but to acquiesce to its wielder's wishes.”
    “That may have been true before, but the situation has changed. I don't have the knowledge or ability to impose my will on her and I wouldn't do it even if I could.” I crossed my arms over my chest and gave the man a defiant stare. He didn't look happy, but he clearly wasn't going to argue. Good.
    “We're willing to work with you in whichever way we can.” Williams stood up and pushed the chair back underneath the table. “Thank you for your time, Miss Ashley. My contact information is listed on the offer. I know this is a big decision, but time is of the essence. If you could have an answer for