Lucy ignored the last question, not wanting to get Reno in trouble and tackled the rest of the woman’s statements. “For your information, I’m going to be part of your world once you set Armand free and we can pick a wedding date or whatever your kind call the ceremony.” She gave her hand a negligent wave. “And as for not being involved, it was my box of tampons that started it all. You can’t get much more involved than that, can you?”
A murmur swept over the room and the Speaker signalled for silence before clearing his throat. “A box of tampons, you say? I don’t believe that’s a topic we’ve had brought before this council before.” He leaned back in his chair. “Please continue.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s so kind of you.” She gave him her best smile, the one that always ensured she got a big tip, and began to explain.
It took some time with both sides asking her questions and Jeff the chef corroborating certain parts. To her surprise, it turned out Gin was an ordinary human and, like Jenna, worked for Lycan Link. Her task had been watching Jeff, unbeknownst to him, to ensure his loyalty. The tale of who knew what was more twisted than a nest of snakes but eventually everyone on High Council seemed to understand the sequence of events.
When she was done, she took a deep breath. “So you see how it happened? They were just trying to help me, and we handed the information over to you as soon as we could. Or at least we thought we’d handed it over but since this Soldoti isn’t really one of you, I guess we didn’t. That’s hardly our fault, though. Right?”
“True.” The Speaker nodded. “And I commend you on the style of your oratory. It was both entertaining and informative.”
“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly at him. He was a condescending old goat, but she tried not to hold it against him. Likely no one had ever taught him better. “I was on the dean’s list at college and at the top of my communication courses.”
“Indeed? Well,” he cleared his throat, realizing he’d been chastised in the politest way possible. “I believe we’ll be able to make a decision on the facts as they were presented. Unless anyone else would care to add something?”
Caleb chose that moment to wake up and coo loudly. Everyone turned to look at him, smiles tugging at the corners of their mouths.
The Speaker tapped his gavel. “High Council will confer over lunch and present our decision when we reconvene at...” he consulted his watch, “two o’clock.”
Armand sat with Daniel and Ryne eating the boxed lunch that had been brought to them. The sandwiches were dry but at least he and his friends had been allowed to share a meal, albeit with two Enforcers posted outside the room and a one-way mirror preventing them from having any privacy.
“I still can’t believe Lucy did that.” He took a gulp of milk to help wash down the sandwich.
“You should know by now she’s spirited.” Ryne peered suspiciously between the slices of bread.
“Yes, when she lived in Stump River. But she was different in Chicago, quieter, more careful in her actions.”
“That’s like Tessa. Marco said she was full of life back in Spain.” Daniel ate his food, seeming not to notice or care it was subpar.
“Home turf, it brings out a person’s confidence,” Ryne said.
“Lycan Link Headquarters isn’t Lucy’s ‘home turf’ though,” Armand pointed out.
“But you’re here.” Daniel rummaged in the container the food came in and pulled out an apple. “Home is where the heart is.”
“Cheesy, however Daniel’s right. Lucy might be human but we’re her pack and subconsciously she knows we have her back.” Ryne dumped the debatable sandwich back in the box and munched on the small package of store-bought cookies instead.
Armand mulled over what they had said. It was true. He and Lucy and Caleb, it didn’t matter where they lived, as long as they were together it would be home.
Unless we are in detention, his bear grumbled.
That was a sticking point. If he was found guilty, he couldn’t expect Lucy to spend her life alone, visiting him on weekends in a detention centre. Nor could they live a life on the run, especially not with a child. He shoved his chair back and stood up, beginning to pace the room. If the trial didn’t go in his favour, there was one option, but he was reluctant to use it.
“Relax,” Daniel dusted the crumbs from his hands and leaned back in his chair. “Lucy did a great job defending us. High Council will make the right decision, I’m sure of it.”
“Are you?” He raised a brow. “You were a bundle of nerves earlier.”
Daniel nodded. “I know. Machado was trying his best but getting nowhere. Lucy came at it from a new angle.”
Ryne nodded. “She can be very persuasive.”
Armand rubbed his chin, hoping they were right. Truth be told, he hadn’t heard half of what Lucy had said. He’d been too busy fuming over the fact that she was there, addressing the Lycan High Council, no less. His plan had been to keep her as far away from the murky mess as possible and instead she’d landed right in the middle of it. If she said the wrong thing, there could be negative consequences for her. After all, Lycan Link had twisted things enough to make him and Daniel seem involved. Who was to say they wouldn’t do the same thing to her?
“Mel must have told her you’re a bear shifter,” Daniel commented interrupting his thoughts.
“True,” he nodded, his surprise over seeing Lucy in the council chambers having obscured that fact. “I’ll have to thank her. I wasn’t sure how to broach the topic.”
“When I told Melody, she thought I was bat-shit crazy.” Ryne chuckled reminiscently.
An Enforcer opening the door ended their conversation. It was time to return to the High Council chambers. Armand’s stomach knotted. His future with Lucy would be decided in the next few minutes. Beside him, Daniel’s lunchtime bravado seemed to have faded. His shoulders might be squared but his clenched jaw told a different story. Ryne was little better, his fingers beating a nervous tattoo on his thigh that belied the cocky expression on his face.
As they entered the room, they all glanced over the faces that packed the gallery, looking to the back where their women were seated. Lucy gave him a nod and Mel did a thumbs up. Tessa’s lips formed a nervous smile before she busied herself with the baby. Yeah, they were anxious as well.
Taking their seats, they waited for the arrival of the High Council.
Ryne leaned over, speaking quietly. “Kane texted me a few minutes ago. He said he contacted several members of High Council who he knows personally.”
“And this might turn the balance in our favour?”
“Maybe. He figured it couldn’t hurt to share the concerns being expressed by a number of prominent Alphas. The last thing High Council wants is a bunch of pissed off Alphas, especially given the chaos Lycan Link seems to be in these days.”
Ricardo Machado had been listening in and nodded. “This is a pivotal case and High Council will treat it with kid gloves. The outcome will set precedents for the future as to how territorial rights are handled with respect to gathering evidence and arrests. If the charges stick, some will feel it indicates Lycan Link’s rights supersede an Alpha’s autonomy. If the charges are dropped, well then the matter is still open for future debate.”
Armand didn’t particularly care about precedents at that moment. He noticed the door opening to admit the men that held his fate in their hands.
The formalities of rising and then sitting were taken care of, as well as the clerk re-reading the charges against them followed by the Speaker making some general statements. Armand was barely paying attention. Forget the posturing and all the mumbo-jumbo. He inhaled deeply and then blew out slowly, drawing on his last remaining fragments of patience.
“We ask Daniel Scott Phillips-Rhodes, to please stand.”
Daniel stood, and Armand leaned forward, now listening intently. He’d been the one to involve Daniel. If there was a punishment dealt out, he’d request it be applied to him rather than the yo
ung man. When he’d mentioned this to Machado earlier, the counsel had said that wouldn’t be possible, but he’d ask anyway.
“Mr. Phillips-Rhodes,” the Speaker addressed Daniel. “We have spent some time reviewing the evidence against you. As well, we have examined your background, scant though it may be. Your IQ scores are remarkable. There has been no disciplinary action applied to you in either of the packs to which you’ve belonged. You briefly attended the academic strand of the Academy where you achieved exemplary grades in math and computer science. However, you left after the first year.”
Daniel nodded. “That’s correct.”
“Why was that?”
He shrugged. “I wasn’t learning anything I didn’t already know.”
“I see.” The Speaker glanced at the other members. “You would rather work as a rogue hacker.”
“Yes. Well…not exactly rogue.” Daniel stumbled over his answer. “I like doing things my own way but I’m not out to harm anyone. Sir.” He added on the last word after Machado nudged him.
“Someone of your ability has great potential to help…or hinder Lycan society. While High Council has not found you guilty at this point in time, there is concern as to which path you might choose in the future.”
It took a moment for the words to sink in and then a smile began to appear on Daniel’s face. “Not guilty?”
“That is correct. However, we will be making certain recommendations to your Alpha as to your future. For someone with your skills to have too much free time on their hands could be a recipe for disaster.” The Speaker shifted his gaze to Ryne. “Mr. Taylor, before you leave today you will be required to set a date for a formal meeting on this matter.”
Ryne gave a brief nod. He didn’t seem impressed with being told what to do but held his tongue.
“You may sit down, Mr. Phillips-Rhodes.”
Daniel sank into his seat and the clerk called out the next name. “We ask Armand St. John to please stand.”
Armand rose to his feet, legs spread, hands clasped behind his back; chin up so he could look the speaker squarely in the eye.
“Mr. St. John,” the Speaker began. “You are not a Lycan.”
“That is correct.”
“And, as such, being in possession of our security codes could be deemed espionage. While we were given a convincing explanation of how these matters unfolded, we still have some reservations that, having stumbled upon this situation, you didn’t attempt to use it for your own gain, passing on copies of the codes either for monetary or financial gain. You made one backup copy. Who is to say you didn’t make more?”
“I didn’t make extra copies, nor did I pass the information on to anyone.”
“So you say, but what proof is there of that?” The Speaker asked. “With the formation of the Affiliation Office several years ago, species have begun to unite and, as is to be expected, each has a different agenda. Some groups are keen on forming an alliance. Others are more reluctant. Some even feel they are being overlooked or treated with less respect than they deserve. Some openly refute the idea and seek to undermine the work being done.”
He didn’t say anything when the Speaker paused.
“What category do Ursas fall into, Mr. St. John?”
“I’m not sure, sir. I don’t involve myself in politics.”
“Really?” The Speaker waited a beat and then shuffled his papers. “Let me enlighten you. Based on what we have been able to learn, the Ursas have thus far been a rather silent group in the negotiations, rarely sending a representative to the meetings. However, there has also been no evidence of their involvement in subversive activities; a fact which plays in your favour.”
That sounded promising, but he didn’t dare get his hopes up too soon.
“A lack of evidence doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of guilt.” Counsel McGuire spoke out.
“You are out of order, Counsel. Please refrain from commenting.” The Speaker gave her a reproving look then returned his attention to Armand. “The point Counsel McGuire made is valid, however, and one we have considered. It troubles us that you tried to seek out the perpetrators of the crime on your own. As a non-Lycan you were over-stepping your boundaries.”
He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it. He’d not implicate others by saying why he’d tried to track down the owner of the USB.
“You are a tight-lipped individual, Mr. St. John. It can be an honourable characteristic…at times. However, today it may not be to your benefit.”
Damn, that didn’t sound good.
The Speaker was about to continue when there was an audible curse from the back of the room and the sound of a chair being shoved back. He turned to see the man who had been sitting beside Lucy striding towards the front.
“Now just a damned minute.”
“Mr. Smith.” The Speaker addressed the curser, his expression less than pleased. “We meet again. I must admit I’m surprised it’s been so many years. You seemed destined to be a repeat offender.”
“Cut the cr…” Smith seemed to catch himself and cleared his throat. “I mean, if I may address High Council, sir?”
“Please. We can’t wait to hear why yet another individual has decided to interrupt our proceedings.” He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Mr. St. John, you may resume your seat. Based on past experience, this may take a while.”
Armand sat down and Machado leaned close, whispering a quick explanation that this person was the Reno Smith with whom Ryne had been in contact when the whole situation began.
Reno cleared his throat and began to speak. “I’m the one that asked the bear to do some footwork with regards to the security codes found on the thumb drive. We weren’t sure who we could trust or who was leaking the information. Keeping it under wraps for as long as possible seemed best. A few key individuals within Lycan Link were informed but that was it.”
“This was while Director Higgins was still working at Lycan Link?” McGuire questioned, earning a stern look from the Speaker.
“It was.”
McGuire spoke again, sliding a glance at the Speaker, no doubt wondering how far she could push the rules. “And yet you didn’t feel he should be told?”
“Er…no. Higgins was a…um…busy man.” Reno weighed his words.
“So, when he saw the Ursa’s name on the report he was unsure of his credentials.” This time it was one of the Elders on the High Council speaking.
“Something like that.” Reno shoved his hands in his pockets and then quickly removed them.
“But you know Mr. St. John well?” Another Elder asked. “Perhaps you’ve been friends for years?”
“Ah…not exactly.”
“And yet you trusted him to carry out investigative work on behalf of Lycan Link?” McGuire questioned yet another point.
Before Reno could speak, Ryne stood up. “I can vouch for Armand.”
The Speaker pinched the bridge of his nose. “This proceeding is becoming a three-ring circus.” He took a deep breath and waved at Ryne. “Very well, have your say. Everyone else has.”
“Since I arrived in Stump River, I’ve known Armand to be honest and reliable. Everyone in the community knows it. He’s been to my house numerous times. If I can trust him around my mate and pup, there’s not much higher recommendation, is there?”
“While it is true one of an Alpha’s primary duties is to ensure his pack’s safety, the word of one individual can hardly be deemed as a guarantee of the man’s trustworthiness.” The Speaker folded his hands. “Please take your seats Mr. Taylor and Mr. Smith. But, Mr. Smith, at a future date we will be discussing your decision with regards to how you conducted the investigation of the security breach. While we support the concept of uniting all shifters, you were precipitate in including a member of the Ursas in this situation.”
Reno gave a twitch, rather like a suppressed shrug. The Speaker raised an eyebrow but made no comment.
Machado leaned close to Armand. “I stro
ngly recommend we pull a certain rabbit out of the hat at this time. Unless you want to be charged with meddling in affairs you had no right to.”
Armand looked at the counsel who met his gaze with a steady one. Damn. Obviously, the man had dug deep in the short time he’d had to prepare for the case. He made a face before giving a reluctant nod.
“It’s for the best,” Machado whispered. “Having a charge hanging around your neck isn’t how you want to start your new life with your mate and cub.”
Before he could reply, Machado rose. “Mr. Speaker, I would like to present one more piece of information.”
“The counsel for the defence has already had his opportunity.” McGuire issued a complaint.
Machado gave a tight smile. “And you’ve taken liberties by questioning these unexpected witnesses, so I’d say we’re even.” He turned to face the Speaker. “I believe this one fact could greatly impact the final decision.”
The Speaker glanced at his fellow council members before nodding. “Very well.”
Machado nodded his thanks and pulled a large tattered book from his briefcase. “I’d like to read an excerpt from the Book of the Law.” He paused, carefully opening the tome to a bookmarked page. “It says, Lycans have the right to sovereignty, to manage their own affairs, without the influence or interference of other species.”
“I’m sure High Council knows the law as well as anyone, and this particular passage is the basis for their concern over the Ursa’s involvement.” McGuire sank back in her chair with an overly loud sigh.
Ignoring the comment, Machado set the book down. “However, over the years there has been a growing unity between shifter species. In 1958, communication channels were opened with the panthers. In 1963, the Fae Queen formally acknowledged the existence of Lycan Link. Baby steps but significant as each builds on the other. Most recently, the Affiliation Office, with the input of numerous Others, penned and presented an addendum, one which was ratified two years ago. It states,” he paused, extracted the sheet of paper that had been serving as a bookmark, and cleared his throat.
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