After Dusk • Peter Hayes 2

The Deal

While Piper had been asleep, something that didn't come quick but Peter had been adamant he were to guard her cell. He didn't trust any of those erudite pricks to do it.

He was to have a meeting with Jeanine, only he refused to attend until Piper was asleep and wouldn't attempt anything while someone else stood out front.

He had somewhat mentally prepared himself not to argue with her, somewhat.

It had taken him a couple of minutes to remove himself from her post and let the other red haired man in glasses take over, ensure Peter it would only be until his return. He also refused to hand over his key card, not allowing anyone else to access her room. He knew Piper wasn't stupid enough to put herself in danger just to get out. Or at least he'd hoped.

His boots thumped on the white flooring, echoing around him while he sound his way to her office. Feeling more tense than he had earlier that day with Piper.

Lifting a hand he knocked on the large opaque glass door, listening for her to allow him entrance. Which she had.

When entering he refused to meet her eyes, closing the door behind him.

"Please Peter, sit" she held her hand in the direction of the seat on the opposing side of her desk, having him face her, "you made a smart decision" she smiled his way while he adjusted himself in his seat, "it might not feel like it right now but, it will pay off" she clasped her hands while Peter let out a slight scoff, "I'm prepared to make a deal with you, I'm not as awful as you all say I am"

Peter finally looked up at her.

Taking in her appearance once again, this was the woman who put Piper in danger, his Piper, the scar on his abdomen also her fault. 

But, if it were to keep Piper safe, he'd do anything she asked of him.

"I'm listening" his knuckles turned white as he spoke, trying to control his anger in any way that he could.

"Good, you're a clever boy Peter, I'm surprised your test results weren't erudite" her attempt at building any form of rapport going down quickly, she continued, "you like that girl don't you?" Jeanine now flattened her palm to the desk.

Watching as Peter squirmed at her question have her the answer she needed, although, she wanted to hear him say it. The best kind of person to have at your disposal is someone who you have leverage over.

Someone who was in love with that leverage was even better.

"I do" he confirmed, clearing his throat, "she's the only thing I've got" that made Jeanine smile, as sickly as it looked, "which means, if any harm comes to her, nothing will stop me tearing through this place and everyone in it"

He'd be unhinged should something happen to her.

He tried not to think of the injury she'd already been given, curtesy of Eric.

Jeanine liked a man who could make a threat, if he could threaten lives like that it meant he could take them.

"Tell me Peter, have you ever taken a life?"

Her question caught him by surprise, the image of Drew flooding to his head.

"Yes"

Jeanine nodded, pleased.

"I just like to know the mental strength of those who work along side me that's all" she started flicking a pen back and forth, "I will keep Piper safe, as long as I can depend on your loyalty?" A brow raised while she watched him nod a yes to her question, "I did ensure the cut on her forehead was seen to, I also asked Eric to be more gentle when handling precious cargo for the next time" she smiled once more, only it wasn't warm, not like Pipers smile.