Iron and Magic

CHAPTER SIX

Page count: 13

They were conspiring against her. She was sure of it.

The first time it'd happened, she'd thought nothing of it, just that it was an accident and luck hadn't been on her side. The second time, her suspicions had built but she'd pushed them to the back of her mind. The third time, she was certain. It was too much of a coincidence.

Sally and Tony were conspiring against her. She'd bet her life on it.

In one week alone, five days, she'd been kicked out of three hotels as Sally, her usually quiet and people-avoiding cat, had been 'spotted.' And if she didn't know any better, she'd assume she was doing it on purpose. Hermione did know better. She was doing it deliberately.

As Hermione stepped into her lab on a Tuesday afternoon, she crossed the room towards the bedroom so might lock Sally in for the day, but when she opened the door, she blinked in surprise to see there was no bed, shelving unit or bedside cabinet that sat a lamp. It was free of all furniture but it wasn't empty. No, storage and cardboard boxes filled the room. There was a clear pathway that safely led to the bathroom so she might use it if needs be, but it was obvious that she wouldn't be sleeping there after late nights or in cases of emergency.

That hadn't been there last night. She'd pulled an all-nighter before returning to her hotel so she might get a few hours sleep and check on Sally before returning to the Tower. She'd been woken a few hours later and asked to leave as Sally had been seen by another guest who'd tattled on her.

Her brow furrowed and her lips pursed and when Sally broke free of her hold and jumped from her arms, Hermione's eyes followed her movements as she padded across the room and towards the lift. She sighed and rolled her eyes, knowing her intentions and before the lift doors closed, Hermione slipped inside, using her key card, passcode and handprint to gain access to the floor above.

After exiting the lift, Sally made herself comfortable on the couch and Hermione headed for Tony's work station, stepping inside to see him staring at one of the holographic screens intensely, his head tipped slightly in consideration as he held a half-eaten cheeseburger in his hand.

"What are you up to?"

Tony didn't startle or make a noise at her interruption, rather, he slowly twisted to face her, arching an eyebrow.

"You'll have to be more specific," he told her, taking a large bite from his cheeseburger.

"I know you're conspiring against me."

"Oh?" He questioned innocently.

"Yes, I'm not stupid. Sally's deliberately getting me kicked out of my hotels. It's been three in five days alone. I've spent all morning trying to find a replacement, but it seems word's spread and when they hear my name, they suddenly have no rooms available. So, now, I'm homeless, annoyed, exhausted and starving, so don't play games with me today. I haven't got the patience. Why are you conspiring against me?"

His innocent expression morphed into a grin. "Who's your favourite billionaire?"

"Bill Gates," she deadpanned.

"Well, that wasn't very nice," he pouted. "I guess I'll tell this news to him instead."

"Tony," she warned, rubbing a hand over her tired eyes. "Get to the point."

He cleared his throat dramatically. "I've found you housing."

"Excuse me?" She questioned in surprise, blinking slowly.

He grinned. "I've found you a condo. Three bedrooms, two baths, terrace balcony, utility room, kitchen and dining area, living room, a fireplace, private parking, great security and an added bonus of an indoor pool and gym," he listed. "Oh, and pets are allowed," he added.