“Hi Jackson. What’s up?”
“I have the evidence you need to prove we were in Las Vegas at the time of the massacre.”
“Really? That’s great. Tell me what it is,” said Penn.
Jackson explained about the phone records and the police surveillance video showing him and his brothers in Las Vegas.
Penn listened to everything, then chuckled. “Police video? I’m not going to ask how you got that. The only thing I see as a problem is unless it has the date on it, your uncle is going to…”
“It does show the date it was taken—on the video, Penn,” Steel said quickly, cutting off the objection.
“Good. Then I think we’re set. Would you please make a copy of it and send it to me for my file?”
“Will do. Now what happens?” asked Jackson.
“Once I get the video, I can prepare a response to the complaint. After you sign it, I’ll forward it to the High Council. They’ll either dismiss it outright or give your uncle a chance to respond. Personally, I believe it will be dismissed.”
“Uh-huh. Would it hurt us if we delay responding?” asked Jackson.
Penn thought it over, then said, “No, but I thought you were eager to resolve this matter.”
“I am. But let me ask you a question. What do you think my uncle is going to do if his complaint is dismissed?” asked Jackson who handed a fussy Daniel over to Steel.
“Hmmm, I see where you are going. You think Josiah will come up with something else,” Penn said, pausing to consider that possibility. “Legally, he can file another complaint with different charges. There isn’t any rule against how many he can make. Is that what concerns you?”
“That’s one thing but there’s another worry I have. Let’s look at the current complaint. You told me it’s defective and you recommended stretching out the time before we answer. Take the extensions until the High Council won’t give us any more. Then you’d file a motion to dismiss because my uncle’s complaint is not legally valid. My uncle would refile because he would assume we have nothing to prove we were somewhere else. Then we again take the extensions until we have to answer. So how long do you think that will take?”
“Offhand, I’d say about a year and a half. Why?” asked Penn.
“If my uncle thinks he has us tied up in a tight little ball, I’m betting he won’t take any other action against us. And that gives my pack some breathing room so we don’t have to look over our shoulder constantly,” explained Jackson.
Penn grinned. Jackson was a dream client. If all of his clients were like Jackson, his job would be so easy. “Knowing your uncle, I’d have to agree with your assessment.”
“It’ll also buy some time to find a witness who would be willing to testify as to what my uncle did,” Jackson added.
“That should be your prime focus since you now have the proof to negate your uncle’s complaint,” instructed Penn.
“It is. I have another matter to discuss, if you have the time,” Jackson said.
“If it won’t take more than ten minutes.”
“No problem. It has to do with the depositions the High Council wants.”
“What about them?”
“I don’t think I had a chance to tell you but Kieran has met his Fated Mate and been claimed.”
“No shit! When did this happen?”
“Just a couple of days ago,” answered Jackson.
“Wow, okay...do you mind if I place you on hold for a minute?”
“Nope. We’ll be here.” Jackson smirked at Steel. “That surprised him.”
Chuckling, Steel said, “Obviously. If I know Penn, he is furiously looking up the rules regarding Fated Mates and how it affects the High Council’s demand. I bet he will be back in five, four, three, two…”
“Hey, sorry about that. I just needed to check something. Well, Kieran having a Fated Mate changes things. I can file notice with the High Council but I will need a notarized statement from you swearing to that fact. By the way, who is it?” asked Penn.
