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“My parents have tasked me with putting together marketing materials for the complex. They’re determined to list it. It’ll take a while to find a buyer since the market is slow right now, and apartments with this many doors cost a lot of money. Did you know there are more than two-hundred units?”

“Of course. I’ve lived and worked here for more than twenty years. I’ve replaced the faucets in most of the units. Showerheads. Toilets. Water heaters. Door locks. Flooring.”

“Is there anything you don’t do?”

“Mold. I hire druids for that.”

“Ha ha.”

I peered at the computer screen, my Duncan quest momentarily diverted by this other problem. “I don’t suppose I can talk you into making the place sound dingy and unappealing with a horrible cap rate?”

“You want me to lie?”

“What’s the opposite of exaggerating to make something sound good?”

“Meiosis?”

“My-what?”

“Meiosis means understating something when you present it. However, it’s usually employed to achieve a greater effect rather than a lesser one.”

I’d never heard of the word. “Can you spell it?”

“Ofcourse. M-E-I-O-S-I-S. That’s not even hard.”

“Huh.” I still hadn’t heard of the word, but it amused me to challenge Bolin’s spelling-bee skills.

“The original meaning refers to chromosomes in gamete-producing cells being reduced by one half. It’s kind of the opposite of mitosis.”

“I don’t think I asked.” By now, I’d forgotten what we were talking about. Oh, right. Marketing.

“Your puzzled expression conveyed a need for knowledge.”

I scratched my cheek. “Does it do that a lot?”

“Yes, but I try to refrain from explaining every time. Bullies beat up pedants, you know.”

“I’m concerned you categorize me as a bully.” I smiled, but it might have been a sad smile. Before the incidents in the parking lot, I doubtedanyonewould have thought of me that way. At least they hadn’t during the years I’d taken the sublimation potion. A part of me rejoiced in being a werewolf again, and a part of me felt I’d lost something. My humanity, maybe.

“Oh, I don’t. But you’re tough and strong and… lycanthropic.”

“A word I don’t need you to define.” I waved at the screen, hoping the need for marketing material meant the first prospective buyer hadn’t made an offer. “How long until the listing goes live?”

AKA, how long did I have before I had to find a new job and relocate my life?

I grimaced, imagining returning victorious with Duncan and the control device only to have to move into his van with him. That had to be cramped for evenoneperson.

“My parents are shooting for next week.” Bolin shrugged apologetically. “If it helps, they’ll be happy to provide a reference for you. Assuming the new owner doesn’t want to keep you employed. Which they should. You’re a big part of why the returns are so good here.”

“Yeah.” I couldn’t manage any pride or gratitude. This sucked. Ihadn’t realized how much I liked this place until I was in danger of losing it.

“You’re also more like a paladin than a bully. You protect people.”

“Thanks. Paladins aren’t the ones who have to be celibate, are they?”

“That’s clerics, and even then, I think it depends on the gaming world. But, by the way, ew.”

“Ew that I like sex?”