Page 50 of A Token of Blood and Betrayal

Sullens sighed.He took my hand and moved it down the page so that I was now pointing at the next line.It readfrom the date of the first notice, which was now over sixty days ago.

“That’s deliberately misleading,” I said.

Sullens released my hand.“You’ve had four notices.”

And multiple crises and near-death experiences.This was so frustrating.“I’ve been doing my best to figure all this out, and look.It’s addressed to my parents still.Shouldn’t I get some kind of bereavement extension?”

Sullens’s expression didn’t change.“They require a cashier’s check for the total past due amount plus interest.You are to deliver payment in person to their billing department.”

Past due plus interest?The rest of the income from Nora’s wedding had gone to automatic payments and supply orders.I’d just thought the important things were taken care of.Maybe if my life hadn’t been so chaotic, I would have focused more on the finances, but I’d honestly thought the past due notice would take care of itself when I deposited Nora’s briefcase of cash.How was I supposed to know the electricity bill wasn’t autopaid like the rest?

I slid onto a stool and then dropped my forehead to the bar.I’d thought I was starting to gain control or at least an understanding of the business side of running The Rain.Apparently I was freaking wrong.

Damn it, how soon could I get guests in the front door?I was requiring them to pay me directly instead of giving the “tributes” to Lehr and Arcuro.Historically, the two paranorms would forward the cash to my parents, after taking their huge cuts, of course.My new procedure meant I’d get all the booking fees as soon as I could get guests in the door.If I didn’t get things rolling soon though, I’d have to take out a loan to survive the next few months, and I was pretty certain I wouldn’t qualify.

Again, Sullens sighed.“Call the company.Tell them about your parents’ deaths and that you’ve recently taken ownership.Perhaps they’ll give you more time.”

Forehead still pressed against the bar, I nodded.

“The staff is on the terrace cooking the perishables,” he continued.“We’ve kept the freezers shut to maintain temperature as long as possible, but they’re old.Everything will likely be defrosted by morning.”

I nodded again.

“Youaredoing better than when you first arrived.”

That wasn’t saying much at all, but I did appreciate the attempt at encouragement.

I heard him slide off his barstool along with the other two staff members.Their footsteps indicated they were leaving, probably going outside to eat something before I starved everyone.I was such a shitty business owner.

I made myself draw in a deep breath, then I lifted my head and swiveled toward the departing paranorms.

“Sullens,” I called.He was only a few paces away.

He stopped and turned, his eyebrows lifting in aYes?

“I need…” I stopped, grabbed the folder, then hopped off the barstool to walk to him.“Would you take over billing and finance?Most of it at least?You know how to run The Rain better than I do, and you’re organized.I keep thinking I’m getting a handle on things, but I’m… a mess, and I can’t afford to continue screwing things up.”

“You’ve had a difficult time,” he said after a moment.“Of course I will help.”

He took the folder from my hand.“I meant what I said.Youaredoing better.”

I gave him a weak smile.

After he left, I returned to the bar.To Garion.He stood on the other side of the lit candle.The small flame flickered shadows across his face.

“Everything’s fine,” I said.

“Did you meet him?”he asked.

“No.I left because there was a problem at the compound.That’s fine now too.”

His head tilted slightly.“Your definition of fine doesn’t match anyone else’s, paranorm or no.”

I made a sour face.“Then let’s say there are no impending disasters.At least for the next five minutes.”

He smiled.“Sounds more accurate.Drink?”

“Yes, please.”