Keeley Thomson (Book 3): Mistress of Souls Read Online Free PDF Page B

ready." For what, she didn't really know. As far as she could tell there was no need to have lawyers present. Maybe the FBI, or even the local police, but why would they need anyone else?
    She didn't wait for the door to be knocked on, just standing with it open, waiting for everyone. It was only four people, two men and two women. Darla looked like herself, young and attractive and so did Dan Carmichael. The other two were new to her. Locking down her personal mental shield as hard as she could manage, she reached out to them, to see what they were thinking. It was mainly about contracts.
    Odd.
    "Come in everyone. Glad you could make it. We have some food coming. Can I get anyone something to drink? Coffee or tea?" Keeley wasn't going to offer them alcohol, since they seemed to be working and Demons only drank it to blend in anyway, unless they liked the taste. They couldn't get drunk.
    Darla ran to her and gave her a quick but hard hug, then moved past her to do the same to Sherry.
    "I'm so sorry about all this. We have it locked down so that nothing too bad will come of it. The Coretechs lawyers have some papers for you to sign. It just makes you and Keeley the beneficiary of Charles' pension funds, which aren't that much, and his stock options, which are more substantial. Once this is signed he won't be able to touch them again, which is what we want. He stole enough already. Damned if we're letting him have any more."
    The lawyers both opened cases and started pointing at the places for Sherry to sign, going so quickly it was doubtful the stressed and out of it woman was really keeping up with the whole thing. After ten minutes of this they both stood and left without even saying goodbye. They nearly ran to the door.
    Darla explained, waving at their backs as they escaped into the night.
    "They'll have it all legal and binding before midnight. I for one am relieved to have that out of the way. Charles wasn't a bad employee, embezzlement aside, but he was making things a little hard on Keels here. You too Sherry. Not to be a bitch about it, but you could do better. Well, all's well that ends well. Is that steak I smell?" She stood as if invited to dinner.
    Keeley sighed and stood herself.
    "Yeah. Let's see if there's enough to go around? If not I can make some more. It isn't my food, but Sherry's." It was a real point for Demons. Offering care to someone was claiming ownership of them. It was fine to give guests food, if they were close enough to you, but you had to make a point of it not being from you directly. Even if it was a lie. The rules were convoluted and largely unneeded, but all societies had their traditions and this one was kind of important to Demons. If she broke it she might just have to fight them both for the insult.
    Dan smiled and gave her a half bow.
    "Wonderful. Shall we then?" He said this to Sherry, who nodded and led the way to the kitchen to get the food. Everyone followed, carrying a dish to the table on the far side, where the dining room was. It wasn't a huge space, but the table was nice and the whole thing was sparkling clean.
    Keeley just loaded her plate, seeing that there was nearly enough food even with three Demons. Sherry had way over prepared for humans, but it would just about work out, if they could manage a good dessert or two as well. She served herself first, then made sure everyone else had enough before eating. No one talked for a long time. When the food was almost done Keeley's mom cleared her throat and looked at Dan nervously.
    "Keeley?" She sounded scared and kept looking at Carmichael, who nodded back at her.
    "I have something to tell you. Um..." She looked at Darla and blushed, but soldiered on, giving a speech she'd obviously rehearsed to herself more than once.
    "Your father... he isn't your father." Then she stopped, getting Darla to raise her eyebrows and look at Dan.
    "Seriously, you're making her break the news? I mean Keeley already knows, but it's a little cold