Page 10 of The Dragon Shifters' Enemy
Wally stroked his mustache.“Raticus likes being on top.And we are most certainly on top of the merch business!”
He thumped one pudgy fist against his other palm.
“I’m surprised the reporters didn’t ask about how your merch business is some kind of conflict of interest in being my Councillor,” Caden sighed and let his head fall back.
Valerius massaged his neck.“Oh, they will.Don’t you worry.Today was just the start of their interest in you.”
“Oh, God, that sucks,” Caden admitted.
“With great power comes great responsibility, kid,” Wally said.
“You did not just steal that line fromSpiderman!”Rose poked Wally in his stomach.
“Maybe I did.Maybe I didn’t!”Wally avoided her poke.
“You totally did,” Tilly laughed.
“But it’s true! Even if it is appropriated.”Wally’s mustache quivered much like his whiskers must have back in the day.“But I’m rather surprised they didn’t either.My bad old days are rather hidden, but my current business clearly isn’t. They went after your dad.”
Wally jerked his head towards where his father and Chione were deep in discussion about some point about any conflicts he might have serving as law clerk to Justice St.John, with his father being very adamant that his role be as transparent as possible.
“The last thing I want is to undermine the court!”his father insisted.
“Justice St.John always has a plan, Grant,” Chione stated.“You know that.There’s no argument that he hasn’t encountered in his life.He knew the scrutiny you joining his staff would bring.”
“Yes,” his father sighed.“The good and the bad.My role on his staff will continue to encourage humans to seek a career in the law and for Raven Shifters to take note that they must mentor their human partners and associates appropriately.It was part of the reason I took the position.”
“Yes, ah, look!The court has already sent out a press release.”Chione showed her tablet to his father who glanced at it.
His eyebrows rose and he nodded in appreciation at whatever was written.“You were right, Chione, he really has been thinking about this.”
“Indeed, and it’s clear the respect he has for you.He’s cited your law review articles, your recent casework, everything.And stated quite affirmatively that your role helpshimmore than it helps you.He wants your perspective. The fact that you are the father of the Ninth Dragon Shifter is important.”
Caden lost track of their conversation as Tilly’s laughter bubbled up.She and Wally were joking about her “I hate you!”to Lisa Yang.
“Did you think it was immature, Wally?I mean I did shout it out at her like we were in the school yard,” Tilly admitted.
“You got her attention, kid.And no one can doubt that you love and protect your big brother,” Wally assured her.“Ms.Yang won’t ask those types of questions with you around!”
“It was just so unfair! I mean, of course, Caden feels awful about those people! Everybody does! But it was an accident and he’s doing his best,” she said stoutly.
“You were great, Tilly,” Caden assured her.“But, I guess, reporters really aren’t supposed to befair.They’re supposed to ask the hard questions.”
They’d made it to the massive dining room where they were meeting the other Dragon Shifters.Even with the doors closed, Caden could smell the ham, roast beef, chicken and savory sides.His stomach audibly grumbled as Valerius opened the doors for them.
“Here is the thing about reporters that you must prepare yourself for, Caden, which is that it does not matter in many respects what you say.The press--”
“Ought to be taken out back and killed!”Illarion said around a mouthful of lamb that he’d torn off with his teeth from a bone as they stepped inside.
“We don’t do that here, Illarion.”Caden frowned at the Green Dragon Shifter.
Illarion shrugged as he licked lamb juice off of his fingers.“Eh, you just wait to see how they twist that interview you just did.Already, they are making things up.A dead reporter tells no lies!”
“That’s because a dead reporter isdead,” Tilly pointed out dryly as she took in Illarion.
The Green Dragon Shifter was standing near a sideboard that was groaning with food.He picked up another lamb chop in greasy fingers as he regarded Tilly.He thrust the lamb chop towards her.
“You were the one who expressed yourhatredtowards the rudest reporter,” Illarion said.
