Chapter 10. Overhead
Monday, December 23rd, 1929
"I don't need it anymore." The dagger skittered across the desk as she tossed it.
"Nonsense, dear," impatiently replied Bellatrix. "You still have two days." She hadn't looked up from the pile of forms she was filling out. Taxes, no doubt.
"I don't think you understand. I'm not going through with it." Pansy's breath had caught in her throat, making her sound unsure.
Bellatrix sharply raised her head, staring daggers at her employee. "What do you mean, you're not going through with it? The contract has been signed. You can't back out now."
"I can and will. You can fire me for all I care." Pansy stood straight, her fingers pinching the edge of the desk harder.
"Oh, little girl, do you think firing you is honestly the worst I can do?" Bellatrix cackled, dropping her pen on the pile of forms and throwing her head back. Her curly hair buzzed with electricity and Pansy jolted.
"I insist." Pansy's voice wavered.
"You're fired, then. But let it be known you have been warned." Bellatrix sounded annoyed.
Pansy took it at her cue to leave and turned her heels.
"Keep the dagger. I've already accounted for it in our overhead expenses. Let it be a parting gift."
She paused. Bellatrix was staring intently at her. The dagger was sitting idly in her palm, presented as an offering.
"It would be rude to turn down a gift…" Pansy finally said.