“Sarah Leeward,The Daily Missive. Your stepmother, Lady Laylani Heroux, was on the list of those arrested. Can you comment on her ties to the conspiracy against your father?”
“There was evidence she approved her sister’s plans to have my father killed,” said Scarlett. “One day, Hell will welcome herwith open arms.”
There were murmurs across the room at that, but Scarlett didn’t care.
“One more question please,” Sarah said. “The press release mentioned that cash payments were received by Aaron Fox and Lady Ashworth. How are these mysterious cash payments linked to the murder of Lord Heroux?”
Scarlett had anticipated this question. “Unfortunately, we don’t have all the facts yet, as the cash payments used for these payouts are difficult to trace. However, we believe they received regular bribes from third parties and that the desire to keep receiving that income was a motivation for having Lord Heroux killed. The police will share more as they continue the investigation.”
Do you think they’ll ever be able to tie that money to the black market?Scarlett asked Nori. Moira had been vanquished, but Scarlett wanted the whole world to know she’d done it all for greed, not just for some self-righteous belief in her party’s doctrine. She wanted her to be remembered by history as the complete piece of shit she was.
“It may take a while, but the truth will come out,” said her light.
Scarlett’s heart raced as the questions continued, but to her great relief, no one asked her about an affair between Elestine and her father. They did, however, ask about Brayden.
“Maeve Sharp,Soleil Times. Two questions, if I may. First, will pardons be issued for those who assisted with the break-in to Goldenrod HQ?”
The news had reported a wolf shifter, so Scarlett was ready for this question. “Yes, given the findings, we’ve been able to secure pardons for those who assisted the investigation, though their identities are being protected for their safety.”
She nodded, looking unsurprised. “Has there been any linkformed between the events at the National Theater and what’s been revealed today?”
“We’re looking for ties, but so far, we’ve found none.” Scarlett forgot where she was for a second as she pictured Brayden still sitting in jail. He might not even be aware of all that had transpired today.
Elestine came closer, brushing against Scarlett’s elbow. “Can I make a comment, Scarlett?” the prime minister whispered in her ear.
Scarlett moved out of the way, grateful for a momentary reprieve.
Elestine said into the microphone, “I’d like it known that I’m well aware Lady Heroux has lost her father to a Soleil-based conspiracy and her husband to an outdated, bigoted anti-magic law. I’d like nothing more than to see Lord Maddox set free. I can’t promise anything yet, but it’s possible he’ll be pardoned.” She stepped aside.
Scarlett grasped Elestine’s shoulder as she passed in a brief show of gratitude. Her words meant a lot, even if a pardon would depend on the courts. She wasn’t sure a pardon for Brayden would get the necessary support, even with public sympathy at an all-time high, and she couldn’t let herself hope too much when disappointment might follow.
“Next question,” she said, pointing to another reporter.
“Ben Johnson,The Financier. You’re in the midst of a remarkable first month in office, Lady Heroux. You’ve shocked the country with your choice to not only plan but be present at the raids for evidence, but many Soleil citizens will admire the risks you took for yourself and your country. Any plans to follow in your father’s footsteps and run for prime minister?”
Scarlett raised her eyebrows. She hadn’t expectedthatquestion, nor a string of compliments from a traditionally Goldenrod-leaning publication. “While I appreciate thecompliment, we’re only taking questions about the arrests at this time.” She gave him the smallest of smiles.
After the press conference had finally drawn to a close, Scarlett, Cass, and Beni rode to House Heroux in silence. Boats filled with press followed them all the way.
“Please give the Heroux family some space,” Cass shouted as they disembarked.
Scarlett put her arm around Beni in an attempt to shield him from view as they walked up the dock to her home. “This press feeding frenzy is painful,” she said as she followed him into the house.
“It’ll probably be like this for a while,” said Cass from behind her.
Inside they found Tyler watching an action movie on the film projector in the living room.
“I had to take a break from the computer after the past twenty-four hours,” Tyler explained as he paused the movie. “And it takesa lotfor me to say that.”
Scarlett nudged Beni. “He’s been on the computer for most of the past twenty-four hours too. It’s probably a good thing school is starting soon. Since I’m your guardian now, it’s my job to keep you from staring at a screen all day.”
Beni made a comically disgusted face.
“Meh,” said Tyler. “I used to game all the time as a kid, and it worked out for me.”
“See?” said Beni.
“If you’re hungry, Martin made chicken and raviolo,” said Tyler. “I already ate. It’s in the warmer on top of the oven.”
