“More than that, their families were limited to where to work, trapped in their situations, or just fucked over because they got caught up with the Shaws and that situation hasn’tchanged. So they’re basically freaking out because they don’t know which way Jean’s going to blow and weeks later, they still don’t know.
“And leaving before meant death. You want to go first for that? No, of course not, but they will make a move if she doesn’t do something. But I don’t even blame her because what is the right move? This could absolutely be used against her too. Like… Just fuck everything, this is complicated, but it’s ticking down. And after today, I’m worried it’s going to blow soon.”
“And blow big from the worry in your aura,” Tracey muttered.
I glanced up at her and swallowed loudly. “Yes.”
“Why? What did you hear that made you feel you had to address this and risk the precarious situation here?” Taylor asked, clearly getting something set this off with me.
I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “They—the one guy and his family doesn’t see the difference between the dirty cops and them. It’s not the same.” I nodded when Jean snorted. “Most of the copsleapat the chance for money. They either came in all shiny wanting to do good and the corruption got to them.”
“Or they know it’s an easy way to get money,” Jean drawled. “Their tests aren’t like human police academies. We’re too desperate for cops. And it’s certainly not like passing to become a council guard. It’s basically have a nice level of magic and beable to run a damn mile. It’s pathetic, so any greedy maggot joins knowing he can get on someone’s payroll.”
“Terrifying that it’s that bad,” one of Taylor’s guys muttered.
“Right, but a lot ofusknow that,” I said gesturing between Jean and me. “Because we pay attention and listen. Most of the top-tier families don’t even realize how bad it is. But the guys on her security think it’s the same game of someone who was pressured or threatened.”
Jean snorted again. “From what I saw, Father pressed one and not hard. The rest were guppies jumping into his lap wanting money. Money he never even paid because they were so low and useless, and when they were useful…” She chuckled and ran her thumb over her throat.
Yeah, he killed them.
It still left the problem of right then which was how I ended up in a dinner meeting with Grandmother, Jean, Bryan, Jasmine, Tracey, Clare, Councilman Reid, Mrs. Reid, Taylor, Councilman Oliveria, Mrs. Oliveria, Link, and a few other people who were needed. Ira. Emma. It was a lot, but… It was a lot.
“I don’t understand why she needs to be here or you’re trusting her, Jean,” Grandmother said when I went to sit.
No, Bernice. I had to stop giving these people titles of family when they would never act like it.
“Because I’m the one who discovered it so accept that or leave,” I said easily. “Not like you’ll ever thank me when the one was thinking of letting this all out and having a gas leak at the estate to escape with his family but whatever. Sure, Bryan and Clare are welcome but no, not me who knows this.”
Everyone froze.
“I’m sorry, did you just saygas leak?” Ira demanded, growling when Jean told him to shut it. “Will all due respect, it’s difficult, Ms. Shaw. I was at the same interviews you were and—how could she possibly know that? She can’t.”
“We could,” Taylor cut in smoothly with the lie to deflect. “We’ve been working in the hours since Bevin caught enough to tip us off. So enough. You get she’s special with magic involving familiars. Let’s just handle this so we don’t lose a top-tier family that’s trying to turn around their image and behave as they should.”
“Agreed,” Councilman Reid said firmly. “And we’re here off the record because Bevin asked us.”
“Well, she asked me, but you’re too on edge with this family after Charles,” Mrs. Reid clarified.
Bernice immediately shut her mouth, clearing her throat even and looking uncomfortable. At least she could regret that madness, but she would never—her pride would never allow her to apologize.
Tracey and I shared a look and she nodded.
I met Jean’s gaze. “This does not get repeated mostly because we aren’tsure.” I waited until she nodded. “Mrs. Reid is mentoring me because wethinkI might be able to eventually speak with animals. It tracks with the research of why I don’t have a familiar and can do magic with familiars like the owner of Familiar Treasures.”
“And that’s what you’re hearing to get from the interviews more than us,” Ira muttered, holding up his hands in surrender. “Fine,hearisn’t the right term but—yes, you sense it from them like I sense from my own. You just can from others.”
I gave him a blank face making it clear I wasn’t going to say either way which luckily, he accepted.
And Bernice huffed as ifIwas the villain for not having disclosed all of this to them. Oh, right, to be sacrificed for Alex?
I wanted to find the shortest pier for her to walk off of right then… But so did Clare from the looks she was giving her. Wow.
“However it happened or whatever gifts Bevin has, we now know and need to handle it,” Bryan said, barely cutting me a glance.
And certainly not a thank-you. Douchebag.
Link snorted, so clearly he caught that too which made me feel better.
