Wolves, Witches and Bears...Oh My!

by Nicky Charles

  “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 young 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 strongly 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.

  “Due to increasing globalization and general species interconnectivity, the need for a trans-species, multi-level policing service has become essential. Combining services will not only lead to greater efficiency and cost savings but will allow each group to benefit from the various strengths and areas of expertise the others might hold. While the exact structure and form of this police service is still evolving, we acknowledge the right of other species to assist in law enforcement provided Lycan Link and the governing body of the other species in question are in agreement.”

  Machado set down the page he’d been reading from. “Mr. Smith has served as a spokesman for Lycan Link on numerous occasions and asked for my client’s assistance. I believe that fulfills the requirements.”

  McGuire stood. “We concede Mr. Smith has spoken for Lycan Link in an official capacity on numerous occasions. However, it doesn’t address the trustworthiness of the Ursa. Nor did a member of the bear clan royal family condone his involvement.”

  “Given that Mr. St. John is second in line to the throne, the Ursa prince, or Regulus as his people say; it would be rather like giving oneself permission to sneeze, don’t you agree? And questioning the honour of the Ursa royal family...” Machado shook his head while making a tutting sound.

  Armand slunk lower in his chair as he felt all eyes turn towards him. Damn. He’d lived under the radar for years and had hoped to do so for many more. He wasn’t suited to be royalty, never had been. In fact, he had indicated his intention to abdicate the position if it ever became his. His older brother could have the dubious honour while he enjoyed his peaceful life in Stump River.

  “Mr. St. John, is this true?” The Speaker addressed him. “I thought the current Ursa Rex, or monarch, was Le Jean.”

  He stood and nodded, answering in his mother tongue. “Oui. Antoine Le Jean c’est mon père. He is my father.”

  “You changed your name?”

  “I anglicized the surname.” He wished he dared turn around. What was Lucy thinking? He’d hoped she wouldn’t find out, at least not for some time.

  The Council was conferring, speaking in hushed tones. He tried to read their body language, but they were a dour-faced group that gave few clues as to what they were thinking. One minute turned into another and then still more. Finally, they resumed their seats, eyes fixed on him.

  “In light of this new information and in order to maintain good relations between Lycans and Ursas, High Council has decided to dismiss the case against Armand Le Jean, also known as Armand St. John. Case closed.”

  The room erupted in conversation while he blinked, trying to process what had just happened.

  It was over?

  They hadn’t said he wasn’t guilty, but it didn’t really matter. All he cared about was that he could finally talk to Lucy and hold Caleb. Turning, he tried to locate them in the crowd.

  Most of the people in the gallery were leaving while Lucy, Melody and the others were walking against the stream to reach the front. He kept his eyes fixed on them, barely aware of Daniel and Ryne at his side. Machado was trying to gain his attention and he forced himself to look at his counsel.

  “I’m sorry we had to share your secret, Mr. St. John, but it was the only way to guarantee the outcome we wanted.”

  “I…” Before he could reply, the counsel for Lycan Link, McGuire, approached.

  “Congratulations, Mr. St. John and Mr. Phillips-Rhodes. Well played, Ricardo.” The woman gave them the briefest of smiles.

  “Thank you, Fiona.” Machado shook her hand. “You’ve had a hard go of it lately, given the current state of Lycan Link. Perhaps next time you’ll have a more…agreeable case.”

  She shrugged. “I’m paid to take whatever case Lycan Link assigns me and present it to the best of my ability. Whether the charges are personally agreeable to me or not doesn’t factor into the job.”

  Armand had no interest in the woman’s ethics and returned his attention to Lucy and the others. They had almost reached the front. About to go meet them, someone tugged at his arm.

  “Mr. St. John, could I get a statement from you please?” A reporter stuck a microphone in his face.

  He bit back a growl. This was another thing he disliked about being a royal; having to weigh his words when answering questions from pushy press. With an inner sigh, he schooled his features into a polite but distant expression…

  Reno remained in his seat, letting the chamber empty out rather than joining the throng. He leaned back, legs crossed and watched the sce
ne unfolding near the front.

  Jenna Lewis was talking to her sister, Gin, and he eyed them with interest. Pack-raised humans; it was an angle he’d never considered. Sharp of Fielding to put them to use. Completely undetectable from the general human population, they’d be an effective tool for gathering intelligence from unsuspecting Lycans. The captain would likely try to get mention of them stricken from the official transcripts of the proceeding.

  Brad Owens slipped into the seat beside him.

  “Hey, Reno. You just couldn’t sit back here and be quiet, could you? You had to let High Council know you were in the room and try to rile them up.”

  “Knock it off, Brad.” He gave his friend a dirty look. “I couldn’t let them blame the guy.”

  “Yeah, you always have to be the one on the white steed charging in to save the day.”

  “And where were you when Phillips-Rhodes was being buried up to his neck?”

  “I planned to be here but got held up in a meeting. I barely made it in time to see you go into action.”

  “Let me guess, this meeting was with the new clerk in archives.”

  “Nah, it was about a possible security breach.”

  “A breach?” That caught his attention.

  “Yeah. An alarm went off for sub-level thirteen but—”

  “There is no sub-level thirteen.” He mentally reviewed the buttons on the elevator but they stopped at twelve.

  “Technically there is, but it was closed over a quarter of a century ago due to structural instability; something to do with a tremor and water leaking in. Anyway, it’s sealed off and no one can go down there so when a security alarm for that area started pinging, it caused quite a stir. We traced it to an electrical short, probably moisture.” Brad gave a one-shouldered shrug. “We’re going to send a maintenance team down to sub-level twelve and see if they can access anything through the flooring.”

  “Interesting.” He thought he knew the building inside and out. Were there any other unknown areas? He made a mental note to check the archives for an original blueprint of Lycan Link someday.