My Guardian Angel//Lams//Post Laurens Death

Chapter Six

Alexander Hamilton
I didn't realize I'd fallen asleep at the office that night. I don't know why I did. The only thing I remember is sending in my draft of the revision of the new bank I want to instate.

I also have a vague memory of a dream. Blurry, but there. Whenever I think about it, the only thing I can discern is someone lying on the ground, the snow around him stained red. I don't know who it is, it's too little to go on, but I think I should.

John's voice had played in the background, retelling the letter he'd left me in his locket. I squeeze my hand together and it's stopped by a metal surface full of intricate design.

Speaking of the locket... I think, opening my palm and gazing at the necklace. I put it on.

A few, sharp knocks come from my office door and I jump. Guess the early morning is kinda freaking me out.

I rub the sleep from my eyes and get ready to ask who it is, but my voice doesn't work. I choke and sputter unattractively, hoping whoever is outside isn't a woman.

"Hey!" the muffled voice of Thomas Jefferson calls. "Let us in, Hamilton, you can't hold me off forever!"

Another voice says something too soft for me to hear.

"Alexander?" Burr's voice breaks in. "Are you in there?"

"What do you want?" I demand after my voice comes back. "Who says I want to talk to you?"

"Nobody," Burr replies calmly. "Just—let us in, okay?"

I groan and get up from my chair. I go to the door, open it, and absentmindedly pull Burr, and only Burr, into the office. I glare at Jefferson and slam the door. I then turn to my friend.

"What is it, you dipshit?" I ask.

"Alexander, there's really no need for that kind of..." Burr looks me up and down. "...did you sleep here?"

I smooth out my clothes and my dark auburn hair. Burr has that kind, patient look in his eyes that I know I've ever had.

"None of your goddamn business," I curse again. "What do you want, so I don't have to spend another minute with you?"

"My. Someone's cranky this morning." Burr shrugs. "Washington called for a cabinet meeting. Told me and Thomas to come get you. I think he knew you were here overnight."

I raise an eyebrow. "Okay. So, there's a battle that I missed?"

"Not yet," Burr smiles a little. "Well? You coming? It'd be the first battle for the bank."

That intrigues me. I perk up and roll my eyes.

"Okay, fine. On my way."

"I'll walk you," Burr deflects.

"Not a chance, dipshit."

Burr winces. "Please don't let that stick. I'll see you there."

I nod and watch him walk out of my office. Jefferson has the sense not to come in. I tap my fingers on my desk as I hear them go down the hall. I'm gripping John's locket now.

Cabinet battle, I think. Just what I need.

I take a deep breath, combing my fingers through my hair. I pause, overlooking myself in my miniature mirror. I definitely look tired, but that won't be much of a change from the usual.

"Okay, Alex," I murmur to myself. "You'll be fine. It's just like any other cabinet battle with Jefferson. Pull yourself together."

I shake myself and then go out the door. Nobody is in the hallway. All of the people on my floor have probably assembled for the battle already. That means I'm late. I'm never late to these things.