“Unless your position on the board was in danger,” Brynholf said.“Is it not true that this is hardly the first Omega-Level event that has occurred in Chicago under your directorship?”
Eddie’s face fell into unease.
“We have had other incidents before, yes,” he said.
“And is it true that you wield a certain authority as the Executive Branch of the Chicago Council?I believe you and your gang—the Flames of Hell—have supreme authority when it comes to in-the-field decision making.Specifically, regarding judicial and/or corporal punishment?”
“That is exercised on a case by case basis in accordance with the 3P Bylaws as our primary means of enforcement,” Eddie said.“If you are implying that we dispense backwoods justice and are afraid of reprisal if we lose our position, then I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree, buddy.Anything that’s not an immediate 3P threat is considered under a joint city enforcement council, aided by the Civil Wyrd Corps.You can see a documented list of cases we have handled under this system as a means of rehabilitation rather than retribution.”
Brynholf sneered.
“Let the court know I am officially requesting that documentation for future review,” he said.
“Any other questions, or did you just call me up here in an effort to tarnish my character?”
Brynholf leaned back against a pew, looking at his nails, and sighed.He ran a thick hand through his Viking-esque mop of hair.He didn’t look like the type to be in a suit and tie, yet here he was, dressed up like a lawyer.His face, stature, and entire aura seemed to be more suited for a set of chainmail and a spear or something equally sharp and foreboding.If anyone was trying to scramble for power, it was him, I thought.He looked like this was a whole new world to him, and unless there was someone to punish, he couldn’t get a good night’s sleep.
“I want you to tell us what happened with Stacey when she approached you.According to Vic’s testimony, Stacey and he were supposed to meet you halfway.What actually happened?”
“Oh, that,” Eddie said.“I have to admit… that one was a doozy.”
Chapter7
We had been waiting in the car for what felt like hours.Only half an hour had elapsed since touchdown.I knew at any moment now, we’d see activity start—and once Eddie drove past, I’d have to run out and wave him down.
“This feels like it could go really badly,” I said.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t,” Vic said.
Time ticked on, and on, and on… and then before I knew what was happening, I felt my skin start to prickle on my forehead.I flipped down the visor and looked at myself.
“Oh no,” I said.
“What?”Vic asked.He set down his binoculars and looked over at me.“Oh.Shit.”
“Yeah,” I said.
I had transformed into Grynfelda.I stared at myself in the mirror.
“What happened?”I asked.
“Grynfelda must be completing the spell on the past you,” he said.“Because you’re here, it’s causing a weird echo effect.”
“He won’t pick me up if I look like this,” I spluttered.“Will he?Has this happened before?”
“Fuck,” Vic said.“No.We’re off-script already, aren’t we.Oh, this isn’t good.Not at all.”
“How do we fix this?”I asked.
“We have to find Grynfelda,” he said.
“Hold on a second,”Judge Volkheim said.“Wait.Everyone stop what they’re doing.Who is Grynfelda?”
“She’s a witch,” I said.“She swapped appearances with me so I could sneak on the back of Eddie’s bike.”
“So why is this part important?”
“My disguise fell off, and Eddie would be looking for me,” I said.“The fear was, if I looked like Grynfelda then Eddie wouldn’t recognize me.”
