by Erin M. Leaf
“Finally. Took you long enough,” someone muttered.
“Hello,” he said, smiling as he ignored the grumbling. His eyes landed on a youngish woman, halfway down the table. She shook her head minutely, and he read her emotions loud and clear: be careful. Delegate Linda Barkley was his one ally. The others weren’t particularly fond of his sexuality. One of the older men had gone so far as to call him a “faggot” at the first meeting. Theo had stared the man down until he apologized. Empaths were rare. He was the only one on the Council, and as such, he was slated to become its head at some point. Tradition dictated that an Empath lead the Council, but he was also the newest member, and he faced a lot of opposition. Things are going to change, though, he decided. I’ve had enough. Now that I’ve met Guy, it’s time for me to do some much more serious digging into Brechek’s secret business. We’re here to serve our people, not use the Council to prop up our personal projects.
He walked to his seat opposite the head of the polished wood table and set down his briefcase. Rose settled into one of the chairs behind him, set along the wall. Some of the other Council Delegates had assistants, and some didn’t. However, Rose was the only full human. That was another reason for disapproval, but Theo didn’t give a shit. His family had disowned him, so he couldn’t appoint his sister as his assistant, or a random cousin, like so many of the other Delegates did. Rose was his closest and oldest friend. The rest of the Council could suck it if he thought he was going to serve with someone he didn’t trust at his back. He forced another smile as he sat down. “So, what’s the rush with this meeting? What couldn’t wait until Monday?”
Several members exchanged looks.
Theo frowned. Something weird was going on, and he’d had his fill of the cloak and dagger crap. He set his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers, not caring that he looked much more threatening than usual. It was time for the other Delegates to learn that he wasn’t a pushover. The emotions swirling around him ranged from panicked to angry to simply worried. He eyed the old man at the opposite end of the table. Council Head Arnold Brechek could mask his emotions rather well, but even his agitation was bleeding out today. Theo stared at him until the man dropped his gaze. Is he stepping down? Is that what all the ruckus is about? Theo knew that the old man wanted to quit, and rumors told him that he’d been talking about it more openly, but nothing had been announced yet. The problem was that Theo knew that he’d be the guy that would assume the position, given his type and strength of Craft. The other Council Delegates might not like it, but there was nothing any of them could do. Some rules were sacrosanct, and not meant to be broken.
“Two Crafters were murdered this morning,” Brechek finally said. “We don’t know if this is an escalation from the random protests we get sometimes, or just a simple break-in gone bad.”
That’s … not what I expected. Shit. Theo sat back in his chair, mind going over the bad news. “What do you know about it? Do we have any details?” Scanning the faces at the table told him that most of the members of the Council were worried, but clearly not interested in getting involved. Everyone wants to protect themselves instead of doing the job our people chose them to do, he thought, disgusted.
Brechek sighed. “The victims were an older soulmated couple. The report says someone broke into the couple’s house. Their bodies were found by the couple’s son. I’m worried that it’s a group of humans targeting people with Craft. They lived in Massachusetts, just west of Boston.” He shrugged. “Or it could be nothing to do with Craft. There’s no way to know.”
That tells me exactly nothing. “Do the police have any leads?” Theo asked. He felt like he was pulling teeth, just trying to get the basic details of the murder out of Brechek.
“No.” Brechek made a face. “They wouldn’t talk to me when I asked them if they thought this was part of an organized movement against Crafters, and then they shut us out of the investigation.”
Why in the hell did he ask them that? He should know better than to confront the police with speculation. Theo exhaled, slowly, as he grasped at the shreds of his patience. Glancing around the table, he noticed most of the other Delegates avoiding his gaze, like usual. None of them wanted to deal with this. Well, too bad. We have a responsibility to investigate this, and if Brechek isn’t going to do anything, I will. “Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this?”
Brechek shook his head, as did several other members of the Council.
Theo frowned. What the hell is the point of a Council at all if no one has any ideas on what to do when a crisis happens? He frowned, meeting the eyes of several of the older members. They all looked away as he stared at them. Their emotions ranged from despair to helplessness. “We need to appoint an independent investigator before more people are hurt or killed,” he told them, taking control of the situation. Several people nodded. “What about some pro-Crafter visibility? We need to step out into the spotlight more, and let people know that we’re not out to harm anyone.” He sighed, shaking his head. “We’ve been too quiet lately, and by lately, I mean the past fifty years. Our power levels might be declining, but we’re not dead yet. We need to keep up a good relationship with the non-gifted humans who are our families and friends, and then let that good will spread.”
He’d said this before, many times. Maybe now they’d be willing to listen to him. He caught Brechek eyeing him speculatively, and he sighed internally. He wished the old man would just step down already so they could end this weird power struggle they had going on. It wasn’t good for the Council or for the Crafters they represented. But maybe he’s got too many fingers in illegal places to step down, he mused, frowning at the older man. For a split second, he sensed a combination of exhaustion and extreme worry from Brechek, quickly suppressed. What are you hiding, you old bastard?
“And just who do you think is going to willingly go public, especially after what’s happened?” a middle-aged woman demanded. “I know I certainly don’t want to put my family at risk. Most of us aren’t talented at all, and it’s dangerous to talk about Craft when you have no way to protect yourself.”
“I understand your concerns, Delegate Wistern, but we can’t hide away. Craft power is rare, but it isn’t quite fading. What about all the people who have no idea that someone in their family once had talent?” He pursed his lips. “There could be children out there, right now, who have no idea what to do with the energy sparking through them. It’s important for us to remain a visible part of society.”
“Says the man who doesn’t seem to have any problem living a perverse lifestyle, loud and proud,” an old man said. “We’re wasting resources protecting you, when we could use them in other ways.”
“I didn’t ask for bodyguards, as you well know, Delegate Osolom. Head Delegate Brechek appointed them, and the rest of you agreed to it. In fact, I argued against a protection detail, and have sought numerous times to reduce it to one man. I have no desire to expend resources that can be better used elsewhere, and you know it.” Theo glared down the table. “Also, being born gay is no more perverse than being born with Craft power, as you well know if you’d care to open your mind and eyes to what’s real.” He took a deep breath to settle his nerves. There was no sense in rising to the bait. Several members of the Council would like nothing more than to see him lose it in a verbal free-for-all so they could censure him. Thank God no one has the power to strip someone’s Craft away from them anymore. That was an old skill, long lost. He tried again to get the conversation back on track. “Who can we trust to go work with the police in Massachusetts?”
“Your guy, Nick, used to work for the FBI, right? He’d be a good one to liaise with the police,” Brechek said, leaning forward. “We don’t have enough security people to take his place, so you’d be down one bodyguard, however.”
Didn’t he just say he’d never wanted bodyguards in the first place? Theo waved a hand. “That’s fine. I’ll let him know.”
Brechek nodded to his assi
stant. “Jack will give your girl the details.”
Theo bristled internally at the word girl, but he didn’t take Brechek to task. Baby steps, he reminded himself. The Council was often sexist and stuck in the past, but he had to work slowly. These people represented those with Craft power all across the country, and as such, they represented people from all different backgrounds and opinions, some he didn’t much care for. He took another deep breath, and decided to get his change in status over with. “Since we’re all here, I’d also like to announce that I now have a soulmate.”
“What? You?” Delegate Osolom looked revolted.
Theo smiled tightly. It helped that most of the emotions at the table were surprised by his news, but not completely horrified. He even sensed some goodwill. Delegate Barkley gave him a big smile, which Theo appreciated. He wasn’t completely isolated in here. “Yes. Guy Keaton’s a WoodCrafter, and is capable of Crafting soulmate rings. I brought the witness paperwork for one set of rings he’s already Crafted. You can look it over, if you like.” He turned to Rose, and she handed him the papers for Wanda and Jeannie’s soulmate ring exchange. He handed it to the man on his right, who glanced at it and then passed it down.
“Well. That’s good news, at least,” Delegate Barkley said. “There’s been a shortage of soulmate rings for years, now.” She smiled, and it lit up her entire face. “And when word gets out, that will be positive publicity for us Crafters.”
Theo gave the next youngest Delegate a smile. He’d liked her from the moment he’d met her. She was only in her forties, and one of the only two women to serve as a Delegate. She’d helped him learn the politics of the Council, and in return, he’d helped her and her husband teach their youngest child how to control her Craft. Not many Crafters were born with the ability to talk to animals, and the poor girl thought she was going mad. Theo had been able to sense her Craft, and guide her into using it properly.
“These papers look valid,” Brechek said, handing them to his assistant.
Theo barely refrained from rolling his eyes. “Of course they’re valid. I’m a registered Empath, and Guy’s been a WoodCrafter for decades.”
“We should make an announcement,” Delegate Barkley said, leaning forward. “People need to know that the old traditions are alive and well.”
Theo shook his head. He had no idea how Guy was going to handle being thrust into the spotlight. “It’s very new, Linda, so Guy and I are not going public just yet. Give us a few weeks, at least, to have a honeymoon,” he said, wryly.
Delegate Barkley laughed, and nodded, sitting back. “Of course.”
“That’s pretty damned hypocritical of you to keep your news to yourself, right after you said we need more visible Delegates to represent us,” Delegate Duncan said.
Theo counted to ten before replying. “Guy is still getting used to having a soulmate. And I just recorded an informative public service video about the outdoors and health, as an Empath and certified counselor. It will be going public as early as next week. You can’t accuse me of being unwilling to put myself in the spotlight. I’ve done everything I can to raise awareness in the six months I’ve been on this Council.”
“Of course, you’d go off and bond with a man,” someone muttered.
“Bonding is predestined, as you would know if you’d ever met your soulmate,” Linda said reproachfully. “I know I wasn’t expecting to meet mine when it happened. Let those of us who actually have soulmates handle the public service announcements about it, yes?”
Of all the people on the Council, only Theo, Linda, and Brechek had soulmates, so he hoped that the others accepted her point of view. He was about to say as much, but then he thought better of it. That was an argument for another day. They needed to focus on the murders. “Is there any more news on the agenda?” he asked, wondering when he’d actually get to use the title of Head Councilor. He was already doing all the work.
Head shakes all around greeted his question, so he pushed back from the table. “Linda? Would you mind dropping off the soulmate ring Crafting paperwork in Records?”
“Sure,” Linda said. “No problem.”
“Thanks,” Theo said, pleased the meeting was so short, but also pissed that no one had anything useful to contribute. “Did you get the information for Nick?” he asked Rose. “It’s probably best if he can start on this investigation right away.”
“Yes.” Rose showed him a folder.
“Good,” Theo said, under his breath. He looked at the Council questioningly. Brechek should’ve been closing up the session by now. I may push for my appointment as Head sooner than I thought. There’s no sense in me running the Council without the so-called perks, Theo thought, watching as all of the members unconsciously looked to him again. They didn’t even realize they were doing it. Even the ones who didn’t like him looked to him. This is why an Empath is usually in charge. I need to fix this situation before it gets any worse. He stared hard at Brechek.
“Very well. Time to adjourn,” Brechek said, belatedly.
Theo barely refrained from snorting. “Great. Brechek, can I have a word with you?”
The old man frowned. “We’ve already gone over everything.”
Theo started walking against the flow of people heading for the doors. “It will only take a moment.”
Brechek sighed noisily. “Fine.”
“I’ll wait for you outside,” Rose said.
Theo nodded. “Thanks.” He knew she was going to exchange gossip with Mary, and he approved. Half of the information about the Council he sussed out with his Craft power, but the other half came from Rose’s truly excellent gossip skills. He leaned against the table until the room emptied, and then he pulled out the chair next to Brechek. It’s time to confront him about what the hell is going on. I know he’s hiding something, but I need to approach him the right way or he’ll just shut me down again.
“What’s this about, Theo?” Brechek asked impatiently. “If I’m going to miss my favorite show, it better be worth it.”
Theo refrained from pointing out that the old man could record the television show if he wanted to. No sense in antagonizing him at this point. Theo smiled tightly. “I wanted to let you know that I’ll be moving to take over as Head in the next month or so.”
“Finally!”
Wait, what? Theo sensed nothing but relief from the old man. “I didn’t think you’d take my intent this well,” he offered, surprised by the man’s sudden satisfaction. Do I ask him about what else he’s hiding, or do I wait?
“I thought an Empath like you would’ve figured it out by now. It’s not like you can’t tell what I’m feeling.” Brechek plopped his briefcase down on the table and unzipped the front pocket. “Here. I’ve already got the paperwork ready.” He pulled out a sheaf of papers and handed them to Theo. “I hate being Head of the Council. I’ve always hated it, but I’m the oldest and everyone seems to think that’s how it works. Everyone has forgotten the old ways.”
The old ways which dictate that an Empath should lead the Council. Theo blinked, then glanced over the forms. Brechek had everything set up. All Theo had to do was sign. “Most of the Delegates won’t like this.”
“Most of them are idiots. You have enough supporters to make it work,” Brechek countered. “I’m looking forward to retiring.”
“Are you planning on leaving the Council entirely?” Theo definitely hadn’t seen that coming. He’d been so preoccupied with worrying about what else might be going on, that he hadn’t imagined that Brechek would so easily retire. Could this be all that’s going on? Is it really that simple?
Brechek shook his head. “No. I want to become a Delegate Emeritus. I can attend the meetings and offer suggestions, but I won’t have to make any decisions.” He grinned. “That’s the best of both worlds.”
Theo nodded slowly. He remembered reading about that position when he’d first joined the Council. “That’s actually a very good idea. I would hate to lose your depth of knowledge,” he
told the old man. He meant it, too, as long as the old man wasn’t breaking any of their laws. Brechek had been a Council fixture for three decades. “Still, some of the members are going to have a major problem with me as Head.”
“I’ll be honest, Theo,” Brechek said, losing his smile. “I’m not happy with your lifestyle choice, but you’ve been nothing but helpful during the Council meetings.”
Lifestyle choice? Theo suppressed his annoyance. Brechek was helping him. He could deal with the old man’s confused attitude towards his sexuality if it meant Brechek would smooth the way to his appointment as Head.
“The rest of them don’t even realize you’ve already begun running the damned meetings,” Brechek continued, surprising Theo again. The old man snorted. “Didn’t think I’d noticed, eh?”
Theo ran a hand over his chin. “I know you’ve been stepping back from the decision making, but I hadn’t realized it was deliberate. I thought something else might be going on.”
“Like what? You don’t give me enough credit. I’ve been Head for twenty-five years. I’m not stupid,” Brechek said testily.
Theo grimaced. “You’re right. My apologies.”
Brechek waved his words away. “As you young people say, ‘whatever’.” He grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door. “Sign the papers, Theo. You’ll be Head at the next meeting. I’m done.”