Page 164 of Home to the Hollow

It’s not like I advertise what I am, and this is the first time we have said it in an open forum.

The amount of eyes on me makes me nervous, so I drop my head, watching Haggerty continue on as if nothing happened. His next few sentences manage to out the younger Boone as well, and the judge glares at the cocky redhead as he plays the gallery like the Devil’s golden fiddle. I can see why Mayor Nelia hired him for the town’s PR person—I’d never paid much attention to him, but Doyle could charm the pants off one of Artemis’ acolytes.

His story doesn’t vary from Presley’s, but the way he’s telling it has everyone on the edge of their seats. Boone is trying not to laugh, and I'm sure if I looked at the others, they’d be straining not to smile. Doyle’s version of ‘razzle dazzle’ is as good as any con man, and his boyish charm has the crowd eating out of his hand. Mayor Nelia’s smile grows as he finishes up what he witnessed, and he turns to bow again at the Council.

“Indeed, I recall signing the form and having Aldous file it accordingly. The snake in question is officially registered,” the mayor confirms when Haggerty mentions he helped Jolene register the snake that started this mess as a companion afterward.

You’d think he would stop at that, but the PT Barnum wanna-be splays his arms out and spins around to look at the entire gallery as he reminds them of one last thing.

“Exactly. The question we are here to answer is not how the events transpired, fellow citizens. Every statement by witnesses who are not employed by the paper or directly involved in the squabble will confirm that we have an accurate timeline.” He pauses for effect before he drops the last bomb. “What we need to establish this evening is whether we should punish Amy Matilda Behle for violating one of the Society’s oldest rules—theSupe Secrecy Accords of 1776.”

Gasps and murmurs echo in the chamber as people discuss his accusation, making the Senator turn bright red. He and his cohorts shoot to their feet, yelling at the Irishman. He seems unperturbed, but I catch Edgar nodding at Wolfgang. Another distraction will keep them from re-grouping their supporters, and I scoot forward in my seat to see what comes next.

“People, please!” The young vet stands as he calls out, and large, sparkling Fae wings sprout from his back. The sight has shouts replaced with ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as he flaps the gorgeous appendages gracefully. A gust of fairy dust floats through the air like glitter in a club, and I watch as the gallery succumbs to his magic. “I have testimony to give.”

Ingenious.

Royal Fae prefer to remain on the sidelines of supernatural disputes because they can escape to the Faerie whenever they like. Whatever strife is occurring here, they can simply go home until it ends, but Wolfgang is a hybrid like most of the attendees in the room. His home is Whistler’s Hollow, and he has every right to speak up.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s so damned pretty to look at, either.

Doyle gives Boone a two-fingered salute as he hops back to his seat, and the hound rolls his eyes at him. The two of them must be a handful for Jolene—I don’t envy her trying to balance their similar need for dominance.

“I concur with the accounts given by the others. However, I am uniquely qualified to address one aspect of the situation that no one has mentioned—the animals.”

That piques everyone’s curiosity and after the Mayor asks him to tone down the fairy dust, he continues with his assessment of the companions in the situation. He explains the snake is actually the least important part; Jolene was accompanied by a virtual squadron of exotic companions that could have injured Amy if she’d intended to. The sentiment is not lost on the voters, as many of them have their own dangerous animals, and they wouldn’t hesitate to use that strength should they need it.

Excellent point, doctor.

Before Behle or Boone II can interject, one wildcard emerges from the shadows behind the Council. The woman is damned near an Amazon in stature, and her ebony skin shines in the lamplight. The enormous wolf that howled at the beginning of the testimony appears to be hers, and she rests her hand on its head as she speaks. “Mayor Nelia, I hate to interrupt, but I believe it is time for the vote. I am here to stand in for the vote of Guardian Bane, and I have a long journey when we convene the proceedings.”

The mayor nods, looking at the rest of the mysterious wildcards looking on from different points in the room. “Yes, Guardian St. James. London is quite far, as is the Commandant’s trip back to Argentina. We appreciate you standing in while Andromeda is handling the coven up north.”

“Argus and I are ever at the disposal of the Society, Your Honor. In time, we hope to have more news for you regarding our mission,” she replies with a bow.

What’s with all the formality tonight? I’m used to seeing it in the temples of my benefactor, but not in the Hollow.

Nelia stands, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. Zareb tosses his mane and roars, effectively punctuating her statement and silencing the room. “Thank you, Heraclea. Members and guests, we will now take a series of votes. After I ask, you will raise your handonlyif your answer is ‘aye’. Is that clear?”

Here’s to hoping Boone’s plan worked as well as it appeared to.

* * *

Once most ofthe crowd files out, Mayor Nelia gestures for me to come over to the dais. The rest of Jolene’s men and their troupe of Guardians beat a fast exit after the vote swung her way, and though it was disappointing not to be included, I understood. I’m not a proper part of that crew—yet—and there seemed to be some urgency about their retreat. Edgar looked very frustrated as hell barked orders at everyone but the sparkling Fae. That one he had ticked under his arm whispering to in between his growled commands.

The entire town has gone topsy-turvy since Jolene arrived. She’s like a whirlwind—blowing into town, knocking everything askew, and forcing us to remake the picture into something new.

Hmmm. I rather like that: Whirlwind.

“Hugo?” The voice cuts into my thoughts and I shake my head to clear it. “Hugo, are you okay? Are you having a vision? Do I need to call Dr. Hamilton back?”

Mayor Nelia’s voice is full of concern, so I smile sheepishly. “No, ma’am. I got lost in thought for a second. I apologize for completely missing whatever you were asking me.”

“I bet I know who you were thinking about,” she says smugly. “Don’t worry, seer. I recognize the signs because my own ‘pride’ behaved in ways very similar to all the men following Miss Whitley around like puppies. I couldn’t see itthen, of course, but it’s easy to noticenow.”

I’m fairly certain my cheeks are flushed, and I have no idea how to answer Nelia. Even if I like Jolene or feel a kinship with her, she’s amassed a full dance card in a short time. I’m not sure if I’ll be invited or accepted to her merry band of brother wives. “She is intriguing.”

Her laugh is knowing, and I felt transparent as she studies me. “Don’t worry, Hugo. A woman like Jolene will find room in her heart for everyone that is supposed to be there.” She pauses while I squirm under her stare, then finally continues. “Which is why I wanted you to stay after the meeting—at least, in part.”

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