The Captain and Sergeant both glanced at me seemingly expecting some kind of observation.
I didn’t think I’d be expected to have thoughts on supernatural politics for this job. Maybe I should start brushing up more if this is a requirement.
I strained my memory, recalling some of what April had said before. “The board did this same thing—refusing to punish wizard Houses—before, in the case of House Medeis’ inheritance, right?” I waited, hoping one of them would jump in.
They didn’t.
“It seems they’re simply doing it again,” I concluded, wildly hoping that was the right thing to say.
Captain Reese nodded. “You’re right. I’ll see if I can talk to Adept Hazel Medeis,” Captain Reese said, naming the leader of April’s Wizard House, who also happened to be married to Killian Drake. “She might be able to get farther than we can. But that’s not what you were thinking of when you said Considine acted as your backup, is it, Blood?” Her eyes drifted back to me.
More talking? I just can’t get a break.
I cleared my throat. “No, Ma’am. It’s just… Considine is a risk because he’s so powerful. But.” I struggled, trying to figure out what I was even attempting to say. “He helped with the fae snake when he didn’t have to,” I finally said. “And he didn’t have to back me up at House Tellier, either.”
“You think that should count for something?” Sarge asked. “Despite all the danger he represents?”
It went against all the experience and training I had as a slayer to say yes. In the end I could only mutely nod.
“I still don’t like it,” Captain Reese grumbled. “House Tellier is nowhere near his regular territory. It’s convenient he decided to help you, but I don’t like how fixated he is on you.”
“Agreed,” I said with true conviction.
“We’ll have to hope Killian Drake will do something,” Sarge concluded.
“Yep.” Captain Reese rested her elbow on her desk. “Well. This is as fun as wrestling with a teething werewolf pup. But we’ll have a couple weeks to formulate a strategy. Straight off, the easiest plan I can think of that would possibly reassure your family is that we could pull you off the night shift and stick you back on the day shift.”
Sarge made a noise in the back of his throat.
Captain Reese held her hands up. “I know, I’d be loath to let that happen, too. If we’re lucky we won’t need to do anything, and the Committee will make Killian Drake take responsibility for Ruin. Er, Considine.”
Sarge reached out and straightened a framed photo of a wolf on Captain Reese’s desk, then glanced at me. “Are you satisfied with this for now?”
I’d rather we not make a big deal out of it but I have the distinct feeling that if I say that out loud, I’ll be stuck writing a whole, secondary paper so I better keep my mouth shut.
“As long as I’m warned beforehand of when the issue will be taken before the Committee of Magic, it’s the best I can hope for,” I said.
“Of course,” Sarge said. “I’ll attend the meeting with you.”
“So will I. And the Commissioner—if this plan is actually approved,” Captain Reese said. She glanced at her tree stump clock. “Regardless, I’ll try to brainstorm other alternatives. For now, I had best let you both return to muster.” Captain Reese gripped the edge of her desk so she could balance on one leg, stood up and smiled at us, then extended her hand.
Sarge shook it. “Thank you, Captain.”
I swallowed thickly, then took Captain’s hand when she offered it to me. “Thank you,” I managed to spit out.
Captain Reese smiled broadly. “No, it’s me that should be thanking you, Blood, for sharing this information with us.” She winked at me before the mischief melted from her face. “Have a good evening—both of you. And stay safe.”
Sarge snapped off a nod, then opened the door and slipped out of Captain Reese’s office.
I followed so closely behind him I almost stepped on his heels—there was no way I was going to dawdle in the office of my commanding officer’s commanding officer!
Sarge led the way for a few steps, then paused. It took me a moment to realize he meant for me to walk shoulder to shoulder with him. “Thank you, Blood, for coming forward with this information. We will find a way to keep you safe, and we will help in any way we can to convince your family that your place is here with the task force.”