Partners in crime

VII.

"Where the fuck is Bea?" asked Hester, the question aimed at Anadil, who was basically sitting on her lap. It's not that she didn't have any more space, they have taken care of the details like that in the two weeks that have passed already. She just simply wanted to and Hester definitely wasn't protesting.

"Why are you asking me? Just call her or something," whispered Anadil, careful not to let other people know she's speaking. The loud chatter in the room made it almost impossible to hear anything, but they still took precautions.

People were eyeing her nervously, during the time she spent there, she's grown quite a reputation as a human lie detector, always quick to share her discoveries with Hester. And most of them didn't like it, especially when she talked about them, but they accepted her as a necessary part of the job.

Now the room was full, grim-faced members of Hell were doubtingly looking at the other visitors, glamorous sponsors, all fake respect and polite jokes, but ready to turn sides whenever they pleased. And they all came together to review the abysmal economical situation they found themselves in. Hester had an almost impossible task at her hand- she needed to keep people, despite almost the whole town being against her. A clear threat lingered in the air, Hell's sponsors were mysteriously disappearing, deals and lives were ruined and the last rays of security were vanishing.

"She's not picking up. I'm going to murder her if she has overslept," said Hester.

"That's not much like her."

"Whatever, looks like we've got to start," said Hester, unconvinced by her own words.

"People love her. Without her, they will take the news much worse. Just give her more time."

"We've given her enough."

"You don't have anyone better for her job though."

"I'm perfectly aware of that."

"I feel like you're plotting something, aren't you?"

Hester nodded with a slight grin. "You and Kei are doing her job now."

"Hell no. I hate his guts and I despise smiling and doing small talk with rich men even more."

"But you'd still do that for me."

"Not a chance." After a while, she sighed. "Okay, maybe. But I'm allowed to poison their drinks if they get too brave."

"I'll personally get them murdered for you," promised Hester.

"You're the best."

Kei was nearby, as always. On his face was a warm smile, much warmer than he usually put on. Anadil couldn't recognise who the boy he was talking to was, but their closeness spoke for itself. He occasionally glanced at Hester to see if he wasn't needed. And this time, he was, so at the gesture of her hand, he came to them, reluctance on his face. Anadil couldn't help but wonder what people saw in him. He wasn't exactly charming, although he seemed oddly trustworthy. People always seemed to confide in him, painfully blind to the fact that his loyalties went to only one person.

As quiet as possible, Hester said: "Bea isn't here, you're taking her job."

"Why do you bother keeping her here if she can't even show up to her job? Utterly useless, I say," he would continue, but Hester obviously wasn't looking forward to hearing his opinion.

"You and Ani take up her job. Find the people that want to pussy out. And convince them to stay. Forcibly if necessary. Preferably blackmail, or a good beating, depends on the situation."