Page 89 of Home to the Hollow

My father harrumphs in his typical privileged, rich white man fashion. His family name and political clout are the only reason a room full of fearsome extranormals are allowing him to pretend he’s even a fraction as powerful as they are. He frequently forgets that in the end, he’s nothing but a frail human, and even the weakest species here could destroy him before he could bang his ridiculous gavel.

Mayor Nelia has a schooled expression on her face, but I caught the glimmer of pride in her eyes as our town healer served my father his just desserts. She’s been an ally from the beginning, but I understand why she has to appear impartial. Her ability to lead the town hinges on a reputation for fair, even-handed decision making despite the whims of the councils, the Society, and the rich elite that shape our community.

“Thank you, Presley. We will take your expertise into consideration when we call for the vote.” Her eyes travel over the crowd as if to instruct us all to do so without saying a word. “Next, I would like to hear from a first on-scene witness. Doyle Aloysius Haggerty, please rise and give your testimony.”

Oh, this is going to be good.

If Pop thinks he can talk his way around the Irish jackass, he’s got another thing coming. Doyle may not be my favorite citizen, but his gifts trump those of almost every supe in town. No one knows what he is or who he’s related to, but the bonny lad schtick is an affectation. He’s no more green blooded than I’m blue.

But he has everyone convinced he is. That kind of skill at deception makes him a formidable enemy, one more crafty than my father has yet to face, even in D.C.

The rusty haired idiot rolls to his feet, a bright smile on his lips as he meets the eyes of every person in the chamber. When he reaches the center of the circle, he bows at the Mayor and swears his oath just as Prez did before him. Tucking his hands behind his back, he waits for Nelia to nod before pacing along the edge of the ring.

“I admit, I’m not this involved in the… activities you hold in this building. My duties are vast, and I prefer to focus on the bigger picture.” He turns to look at me, his green eyes flashing as they take over our support section. “However, this event has me questioning whether I’ve been remiss in failing to monitor the wheels of Justice as they turn.”

“Son, are you questioning?—”

Doyle turns, whipping his hand out as he practically thunders a response. “I am neither your son nor your subordinate, Boone. You have forgotten your place, and I will not be interrupted. Shut. Up.”

My father’s eyes widen as his mouth clamps closed, and he makes frustrated sounds as he struggles to retort. I could have warned him, I suppose, but I can’t help but enjoy seeing him squirm in the most publicly humiliating way possible.

“As I was saying, I believe you were all set to rubber stamp a grave miscarriage of Justice, and I’m more than happy to prevent it.” The look on his face is downright creepy now because his smile promises both pain and pleasure. “I was a few doors down visiting the flower shop when I felt a… pulse. It was much like I’m certain MacAuley’s visions feel, and though I’m unfamiliar, I gave chase anyway. I’m always up for a little chaos, you see.”

I look over at Hugo sitting in the dead center of the crowd, taking in the pallor of his skin. I did not inform him Doyle would reveal his secrets—hell, maybe he thought none of us knew. That’s going to be a problem later, and I don’t envy the guy for it.

“When I entered the newspaper office, there was a lot of screaming and shrieking. Damn near blew out my eardrums, because unlike some rescuers, I’m not a bloody dog.” His smirk makes me close my eyes, and I struggle not to let my temper get the best of me. This fool is going to out half the town before he gets to his point. “The lovely Miss Whitley was calmly speaking to the giant snake to keep it from throttling the accused to death. She was unfamiliar with the animal and despite the imminent danger to herself, she was diligently working to save the bully she came to confront.”

Covering my mouth with my hand, I keep the laugh from escaping. None of what he’s saying is inaccurate, but he’s weaving the tale in such a matter-of-fact way that it’s impossible to tell if he’s leaving out details. His story lines up with our fluffy doc’s without being word for word, and he’s telling it while he strolls around the room as if conversing with the attendees.

If we lived in Kansas, I’d think we’re getting ready to have trouble in River City.

“Not long after I stepped on scene, the doc, the vet, the bruiser, and his Honor came crashing in the door like a group of aging superheroes on a mission. They could witness the python release the threat and bond as a companion of Miss Whitley almost instantly. There were some heated words exchanged between all parties, and when we escorted Jolene out, she requested I procure her another companion registry form—which I did and filed the next day.”

The mayor smiles, nodding her head. “Indeed, I recall signing the form and having Aldous file it accordingly. The snake in question is officially registered.”

“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.” His eyes sparkle as he splays his arms out and spins in a slow circle. “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.”

The crowd gasps and my father turns red, clawing at his face in vain as he fights the magic, holding his jaws shut. Reginald and his followers surge to their feet, yelling and screaming their outrage at his accusation. I look over at the pup, jerking my chin to indicate that we need the distraction of his pocket ace before this devolves into a brawl.

“People, please!” Wolfie’s voice booms through the cavern as his large, glittery Fae wings release from his back and flap gracefully. The dust from them floats through the air, permeating the room with magic only a Royal of his court can wield. “I have testimony to give.”

As expected, the fervor dies immediately as the townspeople watch his shimmering, ethereal beauty while inhaling the wing dust. Doyle winks at me, giving us a two-fingered salute as he walks out of the circle and drops into his chair lazily. I roll my eyes and lean back, trying to avoid jumping across the distance and throttling him. There were a thousand ways we could have turned the tables on my father and Behle, but he chose the one that would start a riot.

“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.” Our pup flashes pointed white teeth and shakes his silvery hair, using the inescapable beauty of his father’s side to distract the naysayers.

“Wolfgang, it would be helpful if you turned down your… you-ness… and tell us what we’ve missed. Doyle, release the Senator as well. You’ve made your point.” Nelia winks at me, and I watch as Zareb rises to stalk over to sit between her and my father.

“Of course, Nelia.” Wolfie bows to her, his wings collapsing and disappearing from view as he swears his oath. “I only wished to help prevent an unnecessary battle. If my sugarplum had wanted to harm Amy, she didn’t need the snake. She was traveling with her servals, a harpy eagle, and Edgar’s hounds. Any or all of them could have subdued one angry human without batting a lash.”

Well, hell’s bells. I didn’t eventhinkabout that. The second half of my drugar’s self-anointed doctor panini may not be as aggressive as me or the rabid leprechaun, but his brains more than make up for his gentle nature.

Plus, anyone with wings is okay in my book.

“Mayor Nelia, I hate to interrupt, but I believe it is time for the vote,” the tall, ebony skinned woman with an enormous black wolf calls out from the back room. “I am here to stand in for the vote of Guardian Bane, and I have a long journey when we convene the proceedings.”

“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 emergent coven up North,” the mayor says, glancing at my father to see if he reacts.

“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,” the foreign wildcard responds.

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