Traitor Read Free Page A

that the tenant had lived in the property for at least twelve consecutive months up to the point of her death.”
    I stared at the floor. “That counts me out.”
    “Well, no.” He removed his glasses. “Baba Yaga had an important role to play. She made a choice a long time ago, a choice that brought her some unusual advantages. Her death marks the end of an era and leaves empty a role that has to be filled.”
    “What are you saying?” I asked impatiently. “That there’ll be another landlady or…?”
    “Of course,” he said. “That’s how her role evolved. You couldn’t understand. Her deals were made in darker days. They’re older than those in power. There are higher beings than Councils and governments, Ms. Delaney. There are those who are outside of the normal laws, who are untouchable. But those untouchable beings cannot take sides. They are not politicians. Baba Yaga was one of them. She was the Matriarch of Lost Souls, and her seat has to be filled in order to maintain the balance set in this world long before anyone alive on this island existed. The circle of protection has now been broken.” He held up his hands. “As I said, I don’t understand it all, but Baba Yaga’s vault can be opened by the one who will replace her. Only then will all of the secrets be revealed.”
    I exchanged a glance with Anka.
    Margie asked, “Where does this leave us?”
    Breslin’s gaze locked with mine. “We need a new Matriarch, partly to maintain neutral status on the properties to protect them. Times have changed, but other things never do. My business has always had one client only, and we’re waiting to serve. The lost souls need to find their way. She insisted she had found her replacement. She intended you to replace her, Ms. Delaney.”
    I let out a shaky laugh. “I’m not her replacement.”
    He blinked rapidly. “I was under the impression this was already agreed upon.”
    I opened and closed my mouth, glancing at all three of them in turn. “But I don’t have power. I don’t have deals or—”
    “If you don’t replace her, the people you hide in her buildings will lose her protection.”
    “Why can’t some other hag replace her?” I asked. “Why can’t—”
    “You’re missing the point. It isn’t about the power you wield or the circumstances of your birth.”
    “Then what the hell is it about?”
    He took a deep breath. “It’s about the right person at the right time, but I’m not the person to ask. There’s a role that needs to be filled. Baba Yaga sought out her replacement, and according to her, you already agreed to this. If you don’t accept, the role will remain empty unless someone suitable comes along. That may or may not happen, but unfortunate events come to pass when there is an empty seat for too long.” He gazed at me. “ Everything happens for a reason.”
    Frowning, I stood. “This is a mistake. I was made to be a warrior, to fight. I can’t be neutral when our country is going to hell. Mrs. Yaga saw that herself.”
    “There’s a bigger picture,” he said softly. “The only way you can protect your neighbours and yourself is to step into the role and fulfil the terms of the will. Are you ready for me to read the will? It will set everything into motion.”
    I walked toward the door. “I’m going home, where I know what the hell I’m doing some of the time. I’m going back to fight in the war that’s coming our way, the war your so-called neutral Matriarch was prepared to take part in.”
    I left the building in a hurry, but I had to wait outside for nearly an hour until Margie and Anka emerged.
    “He’s going to give you some time if you really want to leave,” Anka said.
    “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” I said. “You know what I have to do. I don’t get to give up in the middle and claim neutrality. That doesn’t save us.”
    “It protects you,” she said urgently. “Didn’t you hear him? You would be untouchable! Do