Page 108 of A is for Aftercare

“Aye, that’s right.”

“Then we should start talking about what’s next.”

“Another Orion King book?” I say, rolling my eyes.

“Afterthat.”

“Another contract?”

“Yes! You know how much your readersloveOrion. Your numbers are still amazing, even though it’s been six months since the last book was released, and the pre-order numbers for the book you’re working on are incredibly healthy.”

"I'm done with Orion," I say before he can carry on.

“Hamish—”

“I’m done," I say in a sterner voice. "I'll work out my contract. Then I'm done. It's about time the grumpy sod retires. The next book I write will be his swan song."

Archie squeezes my shoulders, a silent sign he thinks I’m doing the right thing.

“You’re going to kill him off?” Kevin asks, sounding horrified.

“That part’s negotiable.”

“You’ll need to pitch us a good idea,” Kevin warns. “Something better than Orion.”

“I will.”

“What are your thoughts?”

“Fucking hell, Kevin, give me some time. I’m still up to my eyeballs writing this book.”

“I’m going to need something to tell my boss, or she’s going to freak out.”

I’m tempted to tell him to let her. “I want to write a main character who’s gay.”

“Gay?”

“Don’t sound so fucking shocked. A straight white man isn’t everyone’s idea of a hero.” I put my free hand over Archie’s. “A gay private detective who solves crimes with the help of his assistant. Maybe they can fall in love with each other over the first series.”

Kevin doesn’t say a word.

“Now you’ve got something to take to your boss,” I tell him. “Anything else?”

“Not right now.” Kevin’s tone is reserved, so it’s probably only a matter of time before he thinks of something.

“Good. I’ve got words to write. You’ll have the book on time, guaranteed.”

I hang up the call and put the phone down.

"Are you going to write a gay main character?" Archie asks.

I turn my chair around and pull Archie onto my lap. “Aye, I am.”

“Who falls in love with his assistant?” Archie raises his eyebrows.

“Aye.”

He kisses me softly. “I love you, Sir.”