A Simple Mistake (Deadly Mistakes #1)

by Alice Winters

“Paige, you don’t work here any longer.” “I’m aware, I gave you a phenomenal letter of resignation.” “You wrote, ‘I quit, you bald-headed asshat’ on a napkin.” “It was a cloth napkin. I didn’t want it to look too shabby,” I assure him.

“Why are you already being mean to people?” Gabriel asks as Robinson comes rushing back in and slides a cup in front of Gabriel. “Robinson, am I being mean or cruel to you in any way at all?” I ask, since I’m still the only one aware of his involvement. He looks alarmed. “No! Who thinks that? I’ll assure them that’s not the case. I’m more than happy to do anything you ask.” “Thank you.” “We actually need to go to the briefing now, are you good?” he asks. “Quite well, thank you. Save us a seat.” Robinson nods. “Of course.” And off he goes. “He likes me because I’m sweet,” I say. Gabriel’s eyebrow lifts. “You are literally the most suspicious man I’ve ever met.

“What if I lightly kill him?” he asks. “You can’t lightly kill someone.” “Sure you can. Like… I’m going to lightly stab him… oh shit… oh no… he’s stopped breathing. I will lightly try to resuscitate him. And then I will lightly guide him into this unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere.” I stare at him. He stares back. “All of that was clear murder,” I remind him.

“I would never put words in your mouth.” “You sure about that?” “Mostly never. Really, the only words I’d try to slip in there would be words like, ‘Liam, you are the best human I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I sure wish you’d whisk me off to pleasure town.” “Pleasure… town? Was that supposed to be sexy?” “It sounded significantly sexier in my head. You were going to hear those words, and your clothes were just going to burst off your body.” He tugs his shirt. “If anything… I think they’re tighter.” “That’s just from my delicious meal.” “Ah, right.” “Or… are you saying your pants are tighter? Because if so… I can work with that.” “Maybe my socks? That sounds about right.” “They do say the socks are a window to the soul.” Gabriel laughs as he gives me a look. “Who says that?” “They do, of course.” “Ah, right. Your alien brethren.”

“There are others already on it and ahead of me.” “Yeah, but they’re probably useless people like Donna.” “I’m right here,” Donna grumbles from somewhere beyond Matthew. “And my ‘useless’ ass is the only reason you have one of the two in custody right now since I tased him. When we were told to stand down, I talked Matthew into going ahead with me… just in case. And it’s a good thing we did.” “Did I say Donna? I meant Chris. Sometimes I mix your names up.” “Just save your energy before someone else helps you along into the afterlife,” she says.

“Please don’t die on me. I love you,” he says as he grabs my face and kisses me. “If I knew it was this easy to get a confession, I’d have let someone shoot me much sooner.” “I’d have volunteered,” Matthew comments. “See? Matthew could have shot me weeks ago,” I say. “Why? What is wrong with you?” Gabriel asks, but I see a small hint of a smile among his stress.