Page 74 of Blades and Bone

Felicity had been suitably horrified but had quickly jumped to understanding that was why there was extra security. Brodie had introduced her to Hamish, and Hamish had used the introduction to lightly ensorcell her and confirm her answers.

Brodie had been worried about her answers and the impact of the ensorcellment because it had been more than the nudge he was able to use. But when Hamish had said it was a pleasure to meet her and released her hand, she’d blinked, and lunch had carried on as if nothing had happened.

While Felicity was unaware of the treaty with the Reids, everyone needed to be told sooner rather than later since Lara would know. That was another meeting that needed to be scheduled, though Vivian had said that she would take care of that. Brodie was unsurprised to see the message pop up on his phone, with a link to the meeting. She must’ve sent it to everyone…she had to, even though they didn’t know who was loyal to Vivian and who was loyal to Lara.

“Something more important?” Garrick asked.

“Vivian has arranged the online meeting to announce the treaty to our people. It will be at six o’clock tonight. Has Ann announced it to your family?”

“We will do that when we return home tomorrow.”

That was news to Brodie, as he’d expected them to stay. But then it made sense for the matriarch to return home, where it was safer.

“Marlow and his team will arrive in a few hours. They are fully equipped to deal with the issue and will be liaising with me, so we are not abandoning you,” Garrick continued. “And they can remain for as long as needed to ensure this uprising is crushed.”

“I would like them to also liaise with me. Can I meet with them after my six o’clock meeting?” Another bloody meeting.

“Seven? That way we can cover any other issues and make sure everyone has the same intel. Marlow has been liaising with Lance Orlan and Nix Hadley, as they are both familiar with Mirabella’s methods.”

“Great, let me add it to my calendar.” When he’d sat there for the signing of the treaty, he hadn’t expected that it would be needed and needed so rapidly. Neither he nor Garrick had any word on Lara. She’d disappeared, but neither of them expected that to last for long, and they had no idea how many of the unaffiliated were now working with her. “I have one more thing. It’s an idea that Vivian and I have discussed.”

There is no point in saying that he’d already discussed it with Hamish, because when it came to vampire matters, Hamish had no standing in either family.

Garrick leaned back in his chair, fingers clasped. “Go on.”

Brodie could tell Garrick already didn’t like the idea. Did he think the Ashbys were about to ask for more help? “The Orlans are three steps ahead of all of us. They have potentially infiltrated all the unaffiliated safe areas and are just waiting for instructions. While this treaty helps our families.” It felt as though it mostly benefited the Ashbys, but without it the Reids couldn’t operate in Ashby territory, and they wanted to stop the Orlans and were the only family big enough to take them on. Or had been big enough according to official numbers. “There are many other smaller families at risk. I think we need to hold a symposium to deal with the issue.”

Garrick opened his mouth, but Brodie lifted his hand. This was his territory, so technically he outranked Garrick, but only by a whisker. If it came to a fight, they both knew how it would end. “The matriarchs remain safe at home and join online, and they send two male representatives, so everyone has skin in the game. We need to make more use of technology.” Hamish had mentioned something about monitoring vitals after lunch. “Hell, we can hook everyone up to heart rate monitors if the matriarchs really want the biometric information. And if we want to be underhand, we leak the info to Mirabella, but don’t give her the link.”

Garrick considered him for several heartbeats. “When Vivian first approached us about this treaty, we discussed treaties with other families, but decided it was too much. But you’re not suggesting multiple treaties.”

“No, I’m suggesting a conversation to start, or end the issue, depending on how we play it.”

“The treaty between our families may be revealed.”

“Vivian is okay with that.” They couldn’t keep it a secret forever, or even for long.

“It’s a lot of work to organize. Is she going to be up to it? The last three months can be trying.”

“She has Felicity’s support, and mine.” And Hamish was a nurse. “But if the events of the last few days have shown anything, it’s that we cannot sit still. We need to get this happening within the next four weeks, while Mirabella thinks we’re all tied up with the problems here.”

“Your family may be spread thin…who would you send to the symposium?”

“One of my brothers, and someone he trusts.” And Brodie hoped he wasn’t sending his brother to his death.

Garrick nodded. “I will raise it, though I do not think Ann will go for the more devious option. That is not how she works.”

“Which makes dealing with your family a pleasant experience, but Mirabella is cunning, underhand, and with venomous tentacles everywhere.” Dealing with any vampire family was hazardous and was often done on neutral ground. But because Vivian wanted the treaty, they had to make concessions.

“I will endeavor to get back to you before we leave. Otherwise, Ann or I will be in touch.”

Brodie nodded and checked the list of items to cover. He was done. “Is there anything else you want to discuss?”

“Where is Hamish?” Garrick smiled. “Have you got him tied up somewhere?”

He wanted to ask what rumors Garrick had been listening to, but that was tantamount to admitting to certain things, and that wasn’t a conversation he wanted with Hamish’s uncle. The uncle who’d seen a dildo on the coffee table and had no doubt noticed it. “He is with Vivian. She wanted to get to know him better. I would like him to find work, though I realize we need to let the current situation calm down first, as he is a prime target.”

“He will appreciate being able to work once this is sorted. I will make sure he gets the references he needs, and I’m glad the arrangement is working for both of you.”