Scarlett stared out the window of the boat’s cabin trying to imagine how the day would unfold. She dreaded listening to the peers debate whether Brayden was a dangerous criminal or deserving of clemency. Maybe people would surprise her though. She hoped they would.
“Everything okay?” Cass asked.
“The session this morning has been switched to a discussion of the National Theater incident.” She shared a look with Cass as she patted her handbag, which held the thumb drive full of evidence. “But this might derail plans. We’ll see, anyway.”
When they arrived at Elestine’s office, several prominent Cerulean lords were already there, including Lord Garfield, Lord Navarre, and Lord Bombardier. Cass found a spot by the door and stood with her arms folded. Alastair was sitting in the far corner, his computer on his lap. His gaze caught on Scarlett, andhe studied her intently.
What’s he looking at me like that for?Her stare was icy, and he looked away, frowning.
“Probably looking for signs of weakness that he won’t find,” said Nori.
Scarlett certainly hadn’t softened toward him, if that’s what he was hoping for.
Otis Garfield shuffled toward her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “Are you all right, my dear? What Elestine mentioned over the phone—ghastly stuff.”
“It was horrible. Thanks for your concern. I appreciate your support.”
Otis patted her shoulder. “We’ll see what we can do.” His kindness and optimism bolstered Scarlett.
Lord Mayweather slipped into the office. The small space was now crowded with the most influential members of the Cerulean Party. It still hadn’t fully sunk in that she was now undoubtedly one of them. She wondered when it would.
“Right,” said Elestine. “We have everyone I expected. Let’s begin. There’s been a new development. Last night, Lady Heroux obtained evidence that the Soleil Bureau worked with Lord Federsin to frame Sigur Viður for the assassination of Lord Heroux. We believe this was done at the behest of Lady Ashworth.”
Lord Navarre gasped.
“What’s the evidence?” Lord Mayweather sounded more quizzical than shocked, and he leaned forward in his seat eagerly.
Scarlett faced her colleagues. “Files pulled directly from the bureau show that the IP addresses of the alleged messages between Sigur Viður operatives are actually both native to Soleil. Police databases were used to match the IP addresses to the homes they’re registered to. They pointed to Lord Federsin’shome and a residence out in the marshlands registered to an unknown name. Whoever they are, we’ll come for them too, but they aren’t a peer.”
There were murmurs of shock in response amidst the swirls of black and gold smoke—mostly gold—floating in the air.
“How reliable is this information?” demanded Lord Bombardier.
“Unless the bureau planted this in their own systems as a misdirection, it’s extremely reliable,” replied Scarlett.
“We must take this to the police,” said Lord Mayweather. “And the head of the bureau? Perhaps he wasn’t aware of the cover-up.”
Scarlett shared a glance with Elestine. “Given we have a dangerous conspiracy on our hands, Lady Spencer and I would like to propose something more… clandestine,” said Scarlett. “Right now, we have the element of surprise. If we take this to the police, there’s a chance they manage to dismiss the evidence. We needmoreproof, both of the cover-up by the bureau and the violence against me and my family.” Speaking about the plot against her family out loud was strange, but it was refreshing to be able to tell the truth now that Elestine had told the lords everything.
The smoke above them was almost exclusively gold, bolstering Scarlett’s confidence.
“You’re right,” said Lord Bombardier. “We don’t know which parts of law enforcement to trust. We need a case so solid it can’t be ignored.”
The other lords nodded.
“Are we all in agreement?” asked Elestine, scanning their faces for tacit consent. “Good. Scarlett, go ahead and tell them your plan.”
Scarlett cleared her throat. “I’ve got a team assembled that includes a couple of ex–intelligence agents and some talentedindividuals who are used to operating in secret.” She didn’t turn to look at Cass. The less the lords knew the better, in case it all went sideways. “I propose we send them tonight to raid Lord Federsin’s home, as well as the Goldenrod headquarters, in search of evidence.”
“Any questions?” asked Elestine.
Otis’s brow pinched. “You realize if this goes badly, it’ll be traced back to you?”
“It’s a risk I’m willing to take. If we get caught, I’ll own it,” said Scarlett.
“That could mean jail time,” said Lord Navarre.
Scarlett shrugged. Maybe she could have the cell next to Brayden’s if it came to that. But she also had the same exit opportunity he did. “I’m a dual citizen and could ask to be extradited.”
