14 Presumptuous (2/2)

”You are rude to begin a conversation without a word of greeting Mr. Butler,” I teased. ”But I am not calling you to call out on your rudeness… ah, maybe a little bit. I am, though, interested to understand why you have been making outlandish claims to the good police officers of Town X.” I heard him chuckle. As interesting as the banter was, I needed to clear up the misunderstanding.

”I need an assistant. I think you will do just fine.” He stated calmly.

'How presumptuous.'

”I don't see why I have to be your assistant, though. I think there are plenty of people who would like to take on that role!” I exclaimed. I could almost see him press his lips together to keep from smiling.

”Do you want me to compliment you on your professional ethics?” he suggested.

'That would be nice,' I thought, even though that had not been my intention.

”No. I want to know why you want me as your assistant.”

'Straight, Evie, give it to him as it is. He thinks too highly of himself.'

”You're the only person I know in this town,” he reminded me nonchalantly. ”You like doing tedious, time-consuming work that I have no patience for, you seem awfully concerned about social customs and don't bother me when I work. These are qualities that qualify you as a good assistant, in my opinion.” As he had mentioned, I was thoroughly flattered. Even though he made it sound like these characteristics were almost sinful, he quite admired them and recognized their importance.

”Might I remind you that I know nothing of this kind of work?” I tried to wriggle my way out of it. If he had declared that he would only work if I was his assistant, the local police who needed his help would pressure me into doing the work. It would be better to reverse the irrational man's plots than convince them to leave her alone.

”I can solve such an easy case myself, Miss Lewis. I just need you to talk to people and be a messenger. You won't be doing much else.” He sounded bored. ”It will take around five days for me to wrap up the case and you will be paid the same amount of money as your translation job.”

”Tempting,” I said sarcastically. ”I will think about it and let you-” he cut me off.

”No need, just be at the villa by seven tomorrow if you are willing. We have a killer to catch.” Then I only heard the dial tone.

He had hung up on me.

I sighed and threw the phone to my bed.

A little extra money wouldn't hurt. I shrugged and went back to searching for a place to stay.