Page 76 of Huntress

“Talbot and Juarez survived.” Marley cast a disgusted look toward the Marshal. “Eighty-seven humans survived, Elsie.”

Her face scrunched up as she did more math. “That doesn’t make sense. Why are we being blamed for five people who died before we even arrived? And we were still locked out of the barrier when Oasis’ squad was killed, we’re getting blamed for them, too?”

“There are witness reports of that demon tearing Jeshua’s head from his body. Before then, both he and Franklin were seen among the people, perfectly alive, until you killed them.”

Elsie shut her mouth. This man wasn’t conducting an investigation. He was running a false witch hunt to pass the blame to anyone other than himself. She wasn’t going to help his case by misspeaking moments after waking up.

“No response to that, eh? As soon as you're medically cleared, we will be having an official interview,” he threatened. “To be clear, you are facing a court-martial, young lady. If you’re smart, you’ll cooperate.”

Elsie’s chin lifted in response. She wasn’t afraid of this shit eater. She caught the stench of corruption oozing off of him from her healing bed.

“Your commanding officer will arrive in a few hours, be prepared to defend yourself by then.” Harlan scowled at her one more time and swept out the door.

Elsie and Marley shared a long, heated look, and then they both laughed. Mordane was coming, and he was giving her time to prepare? She was going to make him regret ever hearing her name.

Chapter seventeen

Chapter 17

Flanked on each side by hunters she didn’t recognize, Elsie was escorted directly to one of the common rooms that had been rearranged for her interrogation. Walking immediately behind her was Trenton, whose presence was required as her second-in-command. Uninvited, Morgan, Marley, and Saint trailed in their wake.

Harlan and Mordane sat at the top of a two-tiered, elevated setup, with desks in front of them. On the level below were more hunters from Harlan’s squad on the left, and Roz on the right. There were only two chairs in front of them, far enough away that they’d be able to see her from head to toe.

“Welcome, Chantraine.” Mordane stood as her group entered. Roz and everyone else scrambled to follow his lead. He gave her an ingratiating smile. “You’ve looked better, kid.”

Elsie snorted at him in reply with a lopsided smile. Typical Mordane, always trying to stay on her good side. She raised a finger and tapped the corner of her mouth, and he automatically wiped his, clearing away a crusted bit of his lunch. He gave her a quick nod of thanks.

Harlan looked from Elsie to Mordane and back, a sour expression on his face. Someone hadn’t done his homework.

“What’s the meaning of this?” he demanded, gesturing at her entourage. “We’re not putting on a show. Is that a demon?”

“Are you not?” She looked pointedly at the extra people he’d brought along. “This is my healer, and since this casual conversation required me to leave my hospital bed, she insisted on accompanying me. My second in command, who has the right to be here. My sniper stands as a witness to ensure a fair audience and keep the rest of you in line. And let’s not forget my guard dog, who I’m afraid has a severe case of separation anxiety and gets violent if I’m out of sight.”

“All valuable members of her squad,” Mordane chuckled. “I’m pleased you folks are on your feet, the reports of your condition were concerning.”

He gestured for Elsie and Trenton to sit down. She eased into the seat, taking a few seconds to find a comfortable position. Morgan stood behind her shoulder, Marley behind Trenton, and Saint was left in the rear to glare at anyone who dared catch his eye.

“Very well, though I warn the captain, some of these questions may be of a sensitive nature. The proceedings will not be hindered, so you can send them out of the room when you find yourself in an uncomfortable position,” Harlan said.

“I have a question before you get started, do you intend to continue making baseless accusations as you did at my hospital bedside?” Elsie asked, blinking up at him innocently. “Or have you brought evidence to back your claims?”

Roz shot a venomous look in Harlan’s direction.

“I have witness testimony from the humans who saw your squad and that demon murdering nest hunters and humans. Aside from their testimony, I have other scraps of evidence. I’m still investigating,” he said, face turning red.

“You’re still investigating, yet you were so sure of my guilt that you called in Mordane? I have evidence of my own to add to your investigation.” She held out her hand, and Saint slid to her side, handing her a thick file with papers spilling out around the edges.

“This is an interrogation, not a court proceeding,” Harlan blustered.

“I was led to believe that the investigation was complete.” Mordane tapped a finger on the desk, his lips puckered with irritation. “I’m noticing a flaw in your training, Harlan. An inquiry is not the same as an interrogation. In either case, you’re supposed to let the subject speak. I’m interested in what Captain Chantraine has to say. Since apparently information gathering is the purpose in all this, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.” Harlan sneered in Elsie’s face, the expression clearing when he turned back toward the desk. He returned to his seat, casting ominous looks in Elsie’s direction.

“Present your evidence, Chantraine,” Mordane invited.

She stood, holding onto Saint’s offered arm to gain her balance. Their eyes met, and she gave him a grateful nod before walking up to the desk. She set the file between the Marshal and the General, then opened it, taking out a copy of Franklin’s map and the map her people had created.

“Everything in that file is a copy. We’re retaining the originals for use in trial, so destroying this evidence makes no difference.” She targeted Harlan.