“The customary split is forty-sixty,” Jocelyn said. She cleared her throat. “But given your unique talent, we’re happy to offer a thirty-seventy split. The larger share goes to you, of course.”
A sleek black rez-bike pulled into the parking lot. The fenders were emblazoned with the logo of the DZ Delivery Service. There was a large cargo box behind the driver.
Otis got so excited he almost fell off Lucy’s shoulder.
“Lunchtime,” Lucy explained to the Roxbys. “I’ll make this quick. I appreciate your offer, but for now I prefer to continue working as an independent.”
Brock looked annoyed. “We’re open to negotiation. What’s your counteroffer?”
“I don’t have one. I’m not negotiating.”
Runner got off the delivery bike and took a large pizza box out of the cargo holder. He walked toward Lucy and the others.
“Got your usual, Lucy,” he said. “Cheese and olive. Extra large this time.”
“Thanks, Runner,” she said.
She reached into her pocket and dug out some of the tip money. She peeled off a couple of bills and handed them to Runner. She took the pizza box and gave it to Jared.
Runner grinned at Jared. “Part of the new Guild team?”
“That’s right,” Jared said with a nod. “Welcome to Illusion Town.”
“Thanks,” Jared replied.
Runner dug a card out of his jacket. “If the Guild needs delivery service within the Dark Zone, be sure to call us. We know the zone. Outside delivery services always get lost.”
“I’ll pass that info along to the boss’s administrative assistant,” Jared said.
“Great. See you later.”
Runner gave Otis a pat on the head and went back to the bike.
Otis gazed at the pizza box with rapt attention.
Lucy gave the Roxbys a blazing smile. “If you’ll excuse us, we don’t have much of a lunch break today. Got several more tours this afternoon. Business has been brisk lately.”
Jocelyn’s eyes went cold. “You know as well as I do that working as an independent in the Underworld is dangerous. If you join the Weather Wizards team you’ll have backup and protection.”
“I don’t think I’ll need protection as long as I’m working with the Guild, do you?”
“Be reasonable,” Brock said. “We all know you can’t handle all of the Guild business. No one channeler could do that.”
“I’m sure you’ll get your share of Guild work,” Lucy said. “Thanks again for the offer, but—”
“Think about it,” Jocelyn said. She took a breath and appeared to steel herself for what she was going to say next. “We’re prepared to offer you a partnership arrangement.”
Lucy stared at her. “Are you serious?”
“Very,” Jocelyn assured her.
“Twenty percent stake,” Brock said quickly. “Not a controlling interest, of course.”
“That’s an amazing offer,” Lucy said. “I appreciate it. I’m satisfied with my business at the moment, but if I change my mind, I’ll be sure to get in touch.”
Jocelyn’s expression tightened. “Everyone knows most miners and prospectors and ghost hunters won’t work with a channeler who is rumored to have para-psych issues and possible drug problems. As a Weather Wizard you’ll be able to rebrand yourself. You’ll no longer be seen as a high-risk independent operator. You’ll be viewed as a professional, a member of a high-profile corporate team.”
Something in the tone of her voice got Otis’s attention. He stopped focusing on the pizza box and looked at Jocelyn. He did not go into full hunting mode, but he gave a warning growl.
Jocelyn yelped and took several steps back. “Control that creature.”
Lucy fought the wave of anger that cascaded through her. She realized Jared had gone very still. He watched Brock.
Tension shivered in the atmosphere.
“It’s okay, guys,” Lucy said quietly. “We’re finished here. Let’s go have lunch.”
She turned and walked swiftly toward the rear door of the gift shop. Otis lost interest in the Roxbys and returned his full attention to the pizza box. Jared, however, kept an eye on Brock and Jocelyn until they roared out of the parking lot.
He fell into step beside her. “How well do you know the Roxbys?” he asked.
“On a professional level, I’ve been acquainted with them ever since they set up in business here in Illusion Town. They were independents back in those days. Worked together as a team. That changed when Coppersmith opened up the Ghost City. That was when the Roxbys got the idea to form an agency that supplied weather channelers. They hired most of the local talent. Now they dominate the market. It was a brilliant move, to be honest. Wish I’d thought of it first.”