Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“So you are worried about the potential.” I smile, pleased to know I’ve gotten under her skin. At least the phenomenon goes both ways. I’m not used to it being the other way around. “Well, good luck.”
“Hecate.” Her voice changes, the faint flirtation gone, replaced by icy seriousness. “Where are you right now?”
I take a turn off the main road. This one is still paved—nothing less for Demeter—but it’s far narrower. “Oh, here and there, hither, thither, and yon.”
“Whatever you’re planning—”
I mimic a crackling noise. “Sorry, can’t hear you. You’re breaking up.” I hang up the phone and flip it over to pull the battery and SIM card out. I highly doubt Circe would allow tracking on her phone, but no reason to make it easy on her.
I take another turn and ease to a stop in front of a massive industrial farm. Demeter’s personal residence is on the other side of it, and technically I could drive right up, but there’s no reason to announce my presence. Even with the city on the edge of disaster, industry churns on. People have to eat, and they need the money their paychecks bring. How strange it must feel to clock into their jobs while knowing that Olympus has fallen. So much change, and yet so much stays the same.
I attach myself to one of the handful of groups showing up for shift change. Circe has limited manpower, and no reason to look here, but it would be silly to give anyone reason to look at me twice. Even without my customary uniform of glitter and bright colors, I’m not hiding my face. If someone recognizes me… Well, it’s best they don’t.
The moment we enter the first building, I peel off and take a roundabout path through factory after factory, toward the other side of the property. Circe and I both worked for the last Demeter, though we didn’t hold positions in these buildings. I’ve come here a time or seven over the years since taking over Hermes.
The last Demeter wasn’t quite as ambitious as this one. He’s one of the few members of the Thirteen who voluntarily stepped down, wanting to spend his twilight years surrounded by family instead of playing politics. He turned seventy-five last spring. I hope he’s found somewhere safe to hide.
This Demeter has made many changes in the years since she was voted into the title. The factories have all been expanded, machinery switched out for newer, sleeker versions. There are more people on the floor, too, and if they work steadily, it’s without hunched shoulders conveying fear and exhaustion. She might be a monster, but she’s a fair one. I know for a fact that she pays better than standard wages to all her workers, giving them regular raises to reflect the growing industry she prevails over.
On the other side of the property, I climb one of the water towers to get a good look around. The house down the hill is easily larger than the one I kept in the countryside—and subsequently sold to Minos for his murder party—but with significantly less whimsy, if I do say so myself. Brick, brick, and more brick. Perfectly trimmed hedges and plants, no doubt coordinated flowers in the spring and summer.
Demeter likes everything in its place.
There are also the expected guards, courtesy of Circe, positioned in a car parked in the drive. Not very subtle, but I suppose there’s no reason to be. Whether for protection or as a threat, they’re effective.
From my current height, I can see the back of the house as well. The yard is a sprawling thing with many trees and plants. I’m actually surprised to find Demeter hasn’t chosen a traditional lawn, instead creating a space that feels natural, a little imperfect. The fence around it is tall and unwelcoming, which means that space is just for her and her family. Interesting.
I climb down and take a roundabout path to the back fence. It’s tall and imposing, but that’s the extent of its defenses. Within seconds, I’m in the yard and shielded from outside view. After quick consideration, I give myself a shake and walk normally toward the back door.
Demeter herself steps out before I can reach the stone patio, a shotgun held easily in her hands. It should look absurd against her floral wrap dress, but Demeter has always contained multitudes. She may have been born to money, but she’s a country girl at heart.
I make a show of looking around. “Where are the famed pigs I hear so much about?”
“Most people don’t meet them voluntarily.” She doesn’t match my easy tone, her hazel eyes hard. “What are you doing in my backyard, Hermes?”
“You’re a smart woman. You tell me.”
“Even now, you can’t stop yourself from playing games.” She shakes her head. “Well, I’m not interested in anything you have to say. Get off my property or I will show you my pigs.”