James

"BLACK! HOW COULD YOU LET HER GO!"

"I'm so sorry, sir, I don't know what happened."

"That was your last chance, Black."

"I know, sir."

I fiddle with my wedding band, silently praying that he will somehow spare me again. My pulse races. I look up and find The Serpent ice blue eyes glaring at me.

"What is that, Black?!"

Oh, no. I knew this was coming but I was hoping he'd ask on a day that he wasn't upset with me. Like that ever happens. I take a deep breath.

"It's my wedding ring, sir," I answer evasively.

Bad choice. I cower as he screams.

"Don't play me for a fool, Black! I know very well that it is a wedding ring! I also know that you are not married! Unless there is something you are not telling me!"

I hastily try to explain myself before he does anything horrible.

"I'm not, sir! I wear it in honor of this girl who I loved. We were engaged and had a wedding date set and the rings bought, and everything! But she, uh, she died in a car crash, sir. The week before our wedding. I just wish I could tell her that I loved her one last time."

Am I dreaming, or has The Serpent's icy glare softened a little? He sits back in his chair and stares at me for a good three minutes. Finally he sighs.

"Black, I don't know why I'm doing this, but… you're free to go."

My heart leaps when I hear this. I can't help it. A wide grin spreads across my face. How is it possible? But I won't question it.

"Don't be so happy, Black."

"I won't, sir, um, I mean, uh thank you sir."

"I'm going to keep a very close eye on you, Black."

My smile disappears.

"Yes, sir."

Jamie

"I did a good job rescuing you, didn't I, Jamie?"

I try not to roll my eyes. He comes up with the weirdest questions.

"I guess so, sir."

As soon as I say this, I know that I'm going to regret it.

"So I deserve a reward, right?"

Yeah, I regret it. I change the subject.

"Did you find out anything about the building I was in?"

He sighs.

"Nothing. It was just a random shack. Their boss was apparently going to fly there to question you."

"Did you find out anything on The Serpent then?"

"No."

He says this sternly, so I ask no further questions. As soon as I leave the room, my phone rings. It's Jeremy.

"Hi, Jeremy."

"Hey, Jess, I just got home."

It's so nice to hear his comforting voice after hours of Black and Doberman.

"Jess?"

"Sorry, Jeremy, just deciding which brand of eggs to buy. How was your seminar?"

I hear him sigh.

"Frustrating."

"I'm sorry. I'll be home as soon as I can."

"Hurry. I came home and couldn't find you and got worried."

I can't help but smile. How worried would he be if he found out what kind of state I was in just a few hours ago? Then my smile disappears. I remember what I just said. Great. I have to go buy some more eggs.