Balance - Book 2
Page 58
CHAPTER 22
“Alright, let’s review.” Gill said with a sigh. He flipped through papers, “Dozens of damaged windows. Aggressive Spirit released in a populated area. A man assaulted. In that neighbourhood, Clarence? Half the buildings there are occupied by damn celebrities and politicians. Would you like to tell me what happened?”
“I was following a lead, sir,” I replied, “Franco Starling attacked me during the course of my investigation. I defended myself.”
“What lead? What lead did you have in that neighbourhood? There is no authorisation of any kind that has you out there. Mister Starling says,” his eyes moved over the report, “You attacked him without provocation and attempted to extract information with a Body Horror spell. Body Horror? Just what the hell are doing?”
“Absolutely not, Commander Gill. I did not use a Body Horror Spell.”
His eyes probed me. At last he sighed. “This is a major citation, Clarence, after hardly a week of service. Senior Enforcer status just became a distant memory for you. Not the best start for a new Enforcer.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now I don’t know what you’re doing, but you had better rein it in.” He sighed again, flipping over a page. His eyes moved over words. “But Franco Starling is choosing not to press charges of any kind. There is not going to be an investigation. God only knows why. You are seriously lucky.”
I felt my eyebrows knit together.
“Yes, it’s strange,” Gill confirmed, “that’s what we call ‘dodging a major bullet’ where I come from. He apparently concluded his interview saying ‘I’ll see Clarence for round three.’ Know what that’s about?”
“Couldn’t tell you, sir.”
He cleared his throat and put the report aside. For a moment his eyes struggled to maintain contact. Behind me, muffled, came the sounds of the D.O.M in operation.
“Did you learn anything?” he asked, “who is Starling?’
“Nothing conclusive at this time, sir,” I replied, “but I believe I’m closing in on… vital information.”
“Indeed, indeed.” A hand swept over his brow. His eyes remained locked on the desk. “Well, keep me informed.”
“Yes, sir.”
“A difficult time for you to become an Enforcer, Clarence. I just thank God we got you when we did. You’re dismissed. But once again consider yourself on active standby.”
I nodded and turned to leave, catching sight of Franco through the office windows. He glanced round and saw me, halting on his path to the D.O.M exit. Our eyes locked. Then he doubled into a bow. It was a gesture that said; ‘You’re welcome.’
A moment later he was out through the doors.