Lesson 110- Being the boss isn’t fun for everyone. Instead, ask nicely and work together.

Twenty minutes later, a woman who I can only describe as the coolest woman ever slips into the bar. It’s strange, she is tall and muscular with tanned skin and has hair dyed a very bright and very unnatural rainbow. But, if it weren’t for the fact that I have been actively watching the door, I would never have noticed her. She slipped into the room so quietly and subtly. I don’t understand how someone with such a flashy look can blend in so well. She skirts around the edge of the room, glancing around as if looking for someone, then her eyes fall on Andrew and she gives a satisfied smile. She turns and strides right up to him.
“Honey, what did I tell you about choosing a place to sit?” She demands, although there’s a hint of affection and indulgence in her tone. Andrew rolls his eyes and smiles.
“Always sit with my back to the wall and make sure I’m near an exit.” He recites back a line that has clearly been fed to him dozens of times.
“Exactly, so why are you sitting up at the bar? Anyone could sneak up on you.” The woman who I assume is his wife complains.
“No one wants to hurt me here. Besides, I was talking to the bartender. She’s human you know. Isn’t that strange? The one supernatural bar in the city and the bartender is a human.” Andrew beams a smile at his wife who sighs.
“I swear you have no sense of self preservation. Or maybe I just have too much.” She adds thoughtfully. Andrew nods.
“That might be true darling, but I think given your career, I would prefer you be too cautious rather than not cautious enough.” Andrew comments mildly. The woman laughs, then kisses him on the cheek before dropping into the seat beside him. She sits sideways so that she is facing Andrew, but also so that she has a fairly good view of most of the bar. I don’t miss the way she glances sideways at me as well. I decide to take the chance to introduce myself since she’s clearly aware that I’m here.
“Hey, I’m Rina.” I greet her cheerfully. The woman seems a little suspicious but after looking me over for a moment she seems to come to some kind of decision and nods.
“I’m Rowen Bloodreaper.” She says simply. I can’t help but giggle.
“That is still the coolest name ever. Although I have to say it suits you more than your husband, even with the rainbow hair I’m fairly sure you’re totally capable of kicking someone’s ass. Also, is it just me or are you super sneaky?” Rowen shrugs.
“I can be quiet if I want.” She responds.
“Cool. Oh, can I get you a drink?” I offer. She nods and orders a cocktail. While I make it, she starts to ask the questions that most people asked weeks ago.
“So what is a human doing working here?” She asks. I raise an eyebrow.
“You haven’t already heard? I thought everyone knew by now.” I point out. Rowen shrugs.
“I’ve been out of town so I’m a little out of the loop. Oh, and while you’re at it, I have a job to sign off on in the books.” She adds.
“Sure, no problem.” My hands are full making her drink, so I call in backup.
“Tori! Can you come help out for a second?” I call. Torin gets to his feet and joins me behind the bar. Rowen immediately looks suspicious so I nudge him with my elbow and give him a great big smile.
“Tori, Rowen says she’s finished a job. Can you sort it out please?” Torin nods.
“Of course.”

I totally eavesdrop as they mark off the bounty that Rowen completed. I don’t totally understand it, but it sounds dangerous as hell and the pay is more than I earned in six months when I worked at the kindergarten. This woman is totally a badass. Andrew watches the whole interaction with a proud smile that totally reads as ‘that’s my wife!’ They’re a strange couple, but they totally work together.
“So, you never told me how you ended up here.” Rowen comments and it takes me half a second too long to realise that she’s talking to me.
“Oh, well… It’s a long story. But basically people keep coming after me, to kidnap me or something. Tori saved me the first time but I saw a little too much and now I’m stuck here until I can convince Mr. Suspicious here that he can trust me to do more than just serve drinks.” I sum up. Rowen raises an eyebrow.
“Someone tried to kidnap you?” She asks incredulously.
“Yeah, multiple someone’s actually. It’s happened like… Three times now I think?” I turn to Torin for confirmation and he nods.
“Three times since you’ve been here.” He agrees. Rowen lets out a long whistle.
“Damn girl, who did you piss off?” She asks. I sigh.
“Beats me, I have no idea why these people are after me. Although the last one mentioned something about taking me back to someone else. So I think he was working for someone. I think all of the people who have come after me must be working for someone, I just wish I knew who.” I sigh again. Being nearly kidnapped over and over is really getting old. Plus I’m fairly sure I would have a better chance at convincing Torin to let me go if it were actually safe for me to leave this place without him.
“That’s so weird. If it helps any, I don’t think there’s a bounty out on you. Most of them come through this bar anyway, but if someone was trying to hire someone to steal from a demon, I’m fairly sure that I would be on that list and I haven’t heard anything.” Rowan explains.
“Oh, well that’s nice to know. But if there’s no bounty, why are all these people trying to kidnap me on some other guy’s behalf?” I question. She shrugs.
“I have no idea. Maybe whoever is after you has minions.” She suggests.
“Minions?” Torin repeats flatly.
“Sure, minions, servants, slaves. Powerful people don’t usually need to hire outside help.” Rowen points out. I frown. I suppose it’s possible. The kelpie guy did seem super mad about the idea of Torin keeping slaves, which obviously he doesn’t, but still. The kelpie guy seemed worried about it. Maybe he does work for someone. Except… He was really strong. I can’t imagine anyone who can do the things he did being forced to obey someone else’s orders.
“Maybe, but I’m not so sure about that.” I answer awkwardly. Rowen just shrugs.
“Suit yourself. If you do figure it out, feel free to give me a call. You seem nice so I'll even give you a discount.” She winks at me.
“A discount on what?” I ask, not totally sure what she’s offering.
“On my services. Exterminating dangerous pests is sort of my thing.” She explains. I tilt my head, confused.
“You’re a… What exactly?” I question. She smiles.
“I mean if you want to get technical about it, I’m an assassin.” She answers bluntly. My eyebrows fly up to my hairline. She doesn’t offer any further explanation but Andrew hurries to clarify.
“She professionally exterminates dangerous and often deadly supernaturals who have broken laws and can’t be captured or locked away due to their abilities or positions. It’s not nearly as bad as she makes it sound. Think of her as a sort of hardcore cop.” He adds. I relax a little bit. That makes sense I suppose, although I’m still a little wary of her. But I don’t think Torin would let someone in the bar if he thought they were really a bad person.

After the conversation about Rowen’s job description, the conversation changes to something more casual. Rowan tells me dramatic stories about some of the bounties she’s taken over the years while her husband looks on with fond admiration and pride. Torin lingers nearby, not really participating in the conversation, just hanging out near me and listening. It’s fun and I was right that Rowen is super impressive. It sounds like she travels a lot, but I’m hoping she drops by here more often because she is definitely someone I would like to get to know a little better.