Page 70 of A Thousand Cuts

It took a second to attach the name to the posh caster he met at Nexus. “Oh…Tarquin. Hey.”

“I was wondering if you perhaps had a moment today to discuss the matter I was interested in?” he said, cutting right to the chase.

“Today isn’t the best, I’m currently on a case. Can it be done over the phone?”

“It’s…sensitive,” he said, not at all mysteriously. “I’d prefer if it was in person.”

“It might be a while. I’m in the middle of a really time-consuming case that requires my full attention.”

Quin fell silent for a long moment, and the only thing Fix heard was rustling and clicks of what sounded like locks.

“Okay,” he said finally. “I had some questions about a case you recently worked.”

“Nexus has access to all case files.” Fix frowned.

“I’ve read it. I had further questions,” Quin said. “It was a bonding curse, as I understand it. A house trapping the resident inside.”

“Morgan’s case?” Fix asked. “Ash worked that case. I’m a nuisance expert, as I’m sure you know.”

Quin sighed. “I’m aware of your field. But the file said you were involved in the case.”

“I was there to support and offer advice. Nothing more than that. I’m sure all of this is in our reports.”

“I’ve studied the paperwork extensively,” Quin said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. “It seems incomplete, however.”

Fix narrowed his eyes. “What are you implying?”

“Not implying,” Quin said, too quickly. Not convincingly. “Simply asking.”

“Simply asking if we’re withholding case information from Nexus?” Fix asked.

“I have heard rumors of a list of names being saved from the fire that destroyed the house. The files hold no such list.”

“Because it was released to PUMA at their insistence,” Fix said sharply. “One of the names on it was involved in a curse placed on Hart, so I believe you can see why it was imperative for the people on that list to be accounted for.”

“And do you know the meaning of that list?” Quin asked, and Fix was honestly done with the conversation and the very thinly veiled accusations.

“I suggest you contact PUMA and talk to them,” Fix said. “The case is closed on our end.”

“Very well,” Quin said after another stretch of silence.

“Wonderful. I really have to go now.”

“Of course. Oh and, Fix, I’d like it if this stayed between just us.”

Fix frowned heavily. “Why?”

“I simply ask for your discretion,” Tarquin said.

Fix stroked over his beard before he sighed. “Sure.”

“Very good.”

He hung up abruptly and Fix took the phone away from his ear, staring at the blank screen in bewilderment.

Until a message came through from a different unknown number.

Unknown:Shouldn’t trust that one.