Page 79 of Frayed Owner

“You do not get to drag her name through the mud, have people constantly calling her amurdererin the media, and publicly demand her magic beboundbecause she’s so out of control and then ask she not say anything when you realize you can’t getmoneyfrom her because you have no backing now. That’s not how life works.

“And yet you asked it knowing that Bevin is kind enough that she actually considered it, the loveable fool.” Clare met several of the cameras head-on. “She is thevictimhere, not Curtis Rice. He was a corrupt cop who waspaidto murder a good cop, Kevin Rose. He died becausehewas the monster, not my sister.

“Yet they dragged her through the mud for a payday and a favor from my just as corrupt father.” She held up papers. “It’s all here, the proof provided by my eldest sister, and the new head of the Shaw family, Jean. Bevin gave the Rices the benefit of the doubt that Charles threatened them. I could believe that as well.

“No, it was money. They wanted to make sure they weren’t embarrassed having a corrupt son—fully knowing he was—and they would get boatloads ofmoney. They weren’t crying their son was dead. They weren’t shocked at this news. It’s all right here that they wanted her punished too for daring to do what was right and do whatever Charles wanted formoney.”

“That’s bold to say when—” a reporter shouted.

Clare picked up a file and tossed it to him. “Read it yourselves. It’s part of the lawsuit we’re filing against the Rices. For a dollar.” She smirked when people whispered. “Because thisisn’tabout the money. We want the Rices found at fault for filing a predatory lawsuit with corrupt backing against aneighteen-year-oldwho was traumatized because of their son.

“We want order in our world and people to be punished for their misdeeds. Just like Gregg Haddock and his disgusting parents who pushed all kinds of lies about Bevin.” She stared people down again. “My sister saved someone’s life. She saved the lives of other witches during the attack on Morrigan, and someone tried to kick her out of school because of it.

“And all she cares about is helping familiars with these new treats and her joint business with Familiar Treasures. Plus, her schooling.” Clare let out a slow breath. “I didn’t have the best relationship with Bevin growing up because I was in the dark about too much and dealing with my own issues—a child myself.

“I’m no longer a child, and I will be damned if I sit by and let money-grubbing monsters try to slither into the night after going all over and screaming my sister is a murderer and should have her magic bound. And before any of you have any sympathy for them, the last texts show it wastheiridea to pay protestors to go to Bevin’s house.

“My father found out where she lived finally and told the Rices that he knew. Their response was immediate, and they were going to pay protestors toharassher until she settled and admitted fault. That’s how corrupt they are.” She snorted. “Apparently, they taught their son the same.” She narrowed her eyes at a camera. “And we expect some apologies from people soon.”

“I’m not sure what that means,” I hedged, glancing at my guard.

“That one station was constantly running bullshit against you saying they had inside information and firsthand knowledge from your camp,” he told me, nodding sadly when I couldn’t hide my horror. “Yeah, big fat lies. Clare and Jasmine are going after them because they’re allies with the Shaws and apparently tried to put the screws to Jean.”

“Oh boy, we’re not staying very neutral, but at least it’s beneficial to us,” I grumbled.

Yeah, nothing was ever easy.

Well… Some things at least could be fun.

At lunch, I went over to Gloria’s table and asked if I could join them, glad the reception was much warmer now that I had a few times already.

“So what’s up?” Gloria asked, clearly understanding that I was there with a purpose.

I cleared my throat and slid a folder over to her before settling my napkin on my lap. “It’s been brought to my attention that people are working on their points in the hopes of getting close to me and being in my court. I thought it was a joke, but I checked the current standing—”

“And you’rekilling it,” her friend, Carmen, purred. She’d asked for help getting a job and was doing well now helping the treat trucks and prepping at the factory when she could. “Like the next highest witch is leagues behind.”

“Right, but did you notice the name of who it was?” I hedged, meeting her gaze, glad when she winced. “Yes, so this could be a problem for me. A big one. A trap even because I’m not an idiot.”

The others didn’t know, so Carmen answered. “It’s Raquel Hoff. Everyone thought she was going to be the Wicked Queen this whole year before she graduated. I heard people saying it would be suicide to go against her.”

“And she doesn’t fuck around,” someone muttered.

“I didn’t know that part, only that she’s the eldest daughter of the main Hoff family, and they arenotfriends with my former family,” I admitted before sighing. “I didn’t realize my idea might put a target on you.”

“You’ve got something here because you want to help us be your court,” Gloria said, catching on. She quickly wiped her hands and opened the folder, her eyes going wide. “Is this for real?”

I nodded and tucked into my own food. “It is. I verified it. I got it from—apparently, it’s a popular spell to use at stag parties—bachelor parties—whatever. You won’t get as many as I did because lots are trying to block against doorway spells now, but most aren’t going big enough because I’m just a freshman. You are not.”

She threw back her head and burst out laughing. She handed it over to Carmen when she couldn’t answer what it was and just kept laughing.

Carmen and their other friend, Robin, had about the same reaction.

“Oh yeah, we’re in,” Gloria promised. “Shit, this is good.”

“Really? I didn’t want to make you a target,” I worried.

Gloria smirked at me. “I don’t mind fighting back, Bevin. Sometimes it’s just—I balance a lot too. School is hard and with my family—” She grabbed back the folder and wiggled it. “Thank you for this. Yes, I will take this gift and have at it.”

---