by Elin Peer
“Yes, a replica of a real train. But of course, we’ll have to scratch that if people are serious about boycotting us. We’ll know in a month when we open for season tickets. I’m just hoping the authorities and the public can see through Anne’s confusion.”
“And you, Hunter, are you willing to bear the consequences for your actions? Breaking the law could result in your being forced to leave the country.”
Hunter squared his shoulders. “As long as my wife comes with me, I have no problem going back to the Northlands. Living with all your rules is tough for someone like me.”
The reporter faced the camera, and spoke in a grave voice. “We’ve learned that the Cervici family denies running a crime syndicate. They do however admit to helping Hunter Hercules brew beer, to which Nmen attribute the holding of some kind of magical powers. Back to you in the studio.”
The two anchorwomen in the studio began another round of analyzing the interview. “It’s shocking to see a complete lack of regret for what they’ve done. They both openly admitted to breaking the law but there were no tears or promises of redemption.”
“No, it’s going to be interesting to see what will happen in this case, and of course the big question everyone is asking is, how will it affect our first male Councilman, Jonah Cervici? Can he stay or will his supporters hold him accountable for his family’s shocking behavior?”
“Not just that, but how much pressure will his critics put on their representatives in the Council?”
The camera zoomed in on the older of the women, who summed up. “We’ll continue to reach out to Jonah Cervici for an interview and keep you updated on this unfolding story.”
The atmosphere in the kitchen was heavy.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” I asked Jonah.
“Not while the press is out there.”
“No, I should have thought of that.” It was in my nature to try and cheer up my friends. “I’m so sorry all of this is happening, but I have some good news for you.”
Jonah took my hand and moved over to a soft chair in the living room. It was a tight squeeze with both of us in it, but that was how we had done things from the first day we met. With him and me everything was tactile and we loved to be close.
“I talked to my mom and something amazing has happened. My dad finally decided to get the operation.”
Jonah lit up. “He did? I knew it! It’s not in his nature to stay down.”
“We’ve been telling him that too, and yet my mom seemed to think it was a conversation with you that gave him the last push.”
Jonah squeezed my body. “The reason isn’t important. What matters is that your dad is doing it.”
“But I would still like to know what you told him.”
“I told him I was the strongest man in the world.”
I blinked my eyes. “You mean the most powerful.”
“No, I said the strongest and it bothered him… a lot.”
“Because it’s what people used to call my dad before the accident.”
“I know that, but a while back, he admitted that Solo was younger and becoming stronger than him. Magni was the strongest of his generation and it was a huge part of his identity. That’s why being a cripple hit him much harder than it would most others.”
“Of course it did. He is Magni the Magnificent.” My mother had lovingly called our dad that nickname in front of us kids and we’d taken it up quickly, adoring him as our hero.
“No, Mila, he’s just Magni. A mortal with limitations like the rest of us. The thing is, strength fades with age. Same with beauty. You can mourn it, but it changes nothing. I’ve been trying to make Magni see that losing his limbs was in no way the worst that could have happened to him.”
“Jonah…” I pulled back and used a blameful tone.
“Don’t Jonah me. This is year 2449 and he can have robotic limbs that will make him walk and run again. He could have lost his memory or the ability to communicate with others. Magni’s scars make him look fiercer than ever before and when he gets over his vanity, he’ll see that.”
“Still, it’s like you don’t appreciate how severe a loss it was to him.”
“I do. But as I see it, your dad has depended on his strength for way too long. There’s much more to him and when he gets back up again, he will be a better man for it.”
My face softened in a smile. “Is that what you told him?”
“I wrote him a quote that I hoped would push him to get over himself.”
“What quote?”
“It said, ‘True leadership isn’t about being the best, it’s about bringing out the best in others.’”
I marinated the words in my head and repeated them slowly. “True leadership isn’t about being the best, it’s about bringing out the best in others.”
“That’s right.”
“You think that’s what motivated my dad to get the operation?”
“Could be. Or maybe he was just ready. He said that an attack on the Manor is likely, so I questioned why he didn’t get up to make sure his soldiers are ready for it. Magni might not be the best fighter any longer, but he can still be the best leader."
Leaning my head against Jonah’s shoulder, I sighed. “Either way, I’m so relieved.”
The weight of Jonah’s head leaning down on top of mine made me smile. Even when the world was in turmoil around us, he made me feel safe.
CHAPTER 9
Arson
Jonah
Leaving the restricted part of the archive, I passed a few familiar faces on my way out of the public service building. Several pretended not to see me, while others gave discreet shakes of their heads.
“Jonah, wait up.”
Councilwoman Sheana Rene caught up with me, her large brown eyes and tanned skin made a beautiful contrast to the white coat she was wearing. “May peace surround you.”
I kept walking but gave her a polite smile. “Thank you, same to you.”
Sheana Rene was someone I respected and admired. She was one of the most fair and reasonable people on the council and her two daughters, Shelly and Rochelle, had taken part in the first experimental school in the Northlands. Shelly had even gone on to marry an Nman called Marco.
“What brings you to Old York?” I asked her.
“Research, but I heard what happened. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Of course you’re not fine. Your future on the Council is in jeopardy and your family is under attack. I have to ask you, Jonah, did you have anything to do with this side business that your family is accused of running?”
I brushed her off. “No, I had nothing to do with it.”
With a hand to my arm, Sheana Rene stopped me and looked deep into my eyes. “But did you know about it?”
I was trapped. It had been two days since the storage building burned down and so far, I’d avoided all interviews and direct questions. Hunter and Cole had taken the entire blame, but I was a Councilman, chosen as a child for my strong integrity and selflessness. There was no way I could lie to my colleague, and she was too smart to fall for any attempt at not answering. As if my jaws had a mind of their own and were trying to prevent me from destroying my future, they tensed up, making it hard to speak.
“Yes, I did know about it.”
Sheana Rene’s eyes widened in shock and then sadness followed. “And you just looked the other way?”
“Yes.”
“But you’re a Council member. We’re role models of good and honorable behavior. How could you?”
“I didn’t see any harm in what they were doing. It was a small circle of friends and I believe in a higher level of personal freedom. You know that.”
“Yes, but Jonah, this is serious.” Her voice dropped into a whisper and she leaned closer. “Please tell me that you didn’t drink alcohol yourself?”
I pressed my lips together. My silence all the answer she needed.
Closing her beautiful eyes for a second, she d
rew in a deep breath before locking eyes with me. “I was going to defend you but now…” She shook her head. “And to think that I rooted for you during the election.”
It hurt to see her disappointment, and my spirits were low when we parted ways. Soon I’d have to face the entire Council and there was a real chance I’d be forced to leave my seat. I was walking to my apartment with heavy thoughts when Cole called me up.
“How are you hanging in there?”
“Things aren’t looking too good right now. I just spoke to a colleague who used to be a supporter. She’s not any longer.”
My brother gave a pained sigh. “Sorry to hear that.”
“And you? Did you get called in for questioning yet?”
“The request came this morning. They want me to come in for a meeting later this week to explain my side of the story.”
“Pack a bag. They’ll transfer you to a place of reflection. You know that, right?”
“I’m aware, but listen, Jonah, I’m calling you because the report came from the fire marshal. They determined the cause of the fire to be arson.”
My steps slowed down. “Arson. You’re sure?”
“Yes. And that made me think of that drone the fire fighters passed on their way to us. The one with one passenger. It can’t be a coincidence that Anne goes public with her accusation the same day that the fire reveals our brewery.”
“No, I’ve been thinking the same thing.”
Cole sighed. “We always knew Anne was crazy, but if she set fire to a building that close to where our entire family was sleeping, she is truly deranged.”
I made a sound of agreement. “I could check with the registry of transportation and find out who was in the area. It’s hard to believe her capable of something like that though.”
“If Anne is responsible for the fire, she would have found someone else to do her dirty work. She’s crazy but not unintelligent.”
“All right, I’ll keep you posted. Mila is waiting for me back at my place.”
“Okay. Give her a kiss from me, will you?”
I frowned. “I don’t think so. If I give Mila a kiss it will be from me.”
“Ahh.” His tone lightened. “It’s like that, is it?”
“Got to go, brother.” With all the chaos around me, at least I had Mila with me for two more days.
After a quick call to the traffic registry, I bought a bag of groceries and hurried home to Mila, updating her on my run-in with Sheana Rene, the call from Cole, and my inquiry with the traffic registry that I’d just made.
“What did they say?” she asked with interest.
“They did have one drone in our area at the time. The person I talked to promised to retrieve data from the flight and send it to me.”
“It’s a lucky thing that you have access to classified information.”
We were in the kitchen, and I leaned against the counter. “Actually, this is public information.”
Mila looked surprised. “Do you mean to say that anytime someone uses a public drone, others can know about it?”
“Only if they go through the trouble of collecting the information.”
“But what if you don’t want people to know where you’re going?”
I lowered my brow. “Like if you’re a celebrity or something?”
“Yes, or you just prefer to live your life without others sticking their nose in it.”
“I’ve never heard that it’s a problem.”
Mila was sitting on my kitchen counter with a glass of apple juice in her hands. “It’s funny, because I’ve always seen myself as a Motlander among Northlanders, but I’m starting to see that in many ways I prefer the Northlands. People here are kind and caring, but the Nmen have a point that there’s a sheep mentality among Motlanders.”
I jerked my head back. “Take that back.”
Her cheeks flamed up. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that I question things in a different way than I used to.”
“Good. Then maybe you could question some of the Northland culture too. Like say, the insanity of making men fight and potentially kill each other to marry a woman.” Without looking at her I unpacked the groceries I’d bought. My head was exploding with the stress of my family’s being under attack from the whole country and possibly our own sister. I’d just lost an important ally in Sheana Rene, and the last thing I needed was for Mila to attack me too.
“Jonah, I…" She trailed off before asking in a pleading voice, "Will you look at me, please?”
I turned to see Mila biting her lip with a sad expression.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know.” I emptied my lungs in a noisy exhalation. “I’m just stressed with everything that’s going on right now.” Taking my backpack from the floor I placed it on the counter. “I brought you something.”
Mila took the white gloves I gave her and put them on.
“The book is very old so you have to be careful with it.”
“Don’t worry. The Gray Manor is filled with antique books. I’m used to reading them with care.”
“Yes, but this book is extremely precious.”
With both hands, she held the book I handed her as if it were a newborn baby with a fragile neck to protect. Slowly she turned it around to read the title on the cover. “Gardening in Cold Climates.”
I gave her a smile. “I thought you might like to read it.”
“Wow, that’s so nice of you, Jonah. Thank you.”
With an amused smile, I revealed, “The cover is from a different book. The real one is underneath.”
“Oh.” Mila removed the first cover and then her eyes popped to double size. “Is this…?”
I nodded. “Yep! It’s the infamous book that aroused a nation and made the council ban all romance books.”
Her fingers trailed above the title on the green cover without ever touching it. “I can’t believe this.” She gave me a quick glance as to assure herself that I wasn’t joking.
“It’s the real thing,” I confirmed.
Mila swallowed and stroked the book while whispering the title aloud. “Forbidden Letters from the North.”
“I smuggled it out from the restricted section. Hence the false cover.”
“But Jonah, this isn’t who you are. Breaking rules and laws like this and putting your future on the Council at risk.”
With her sitting on the counter we were eye to eye. “What if it is? I don’t agree with the restrictive laws. None of them make much sense to me.”
“But aren’t you afraid your critics will use it against you?”
My head fell forward and again, I let out all the air from my lungs. “I can’t live my life in fear of losing my place on the Council. If I do, it will paralyze me and I won’t be able to make any change.”
Mila lifted my head. “So, what are you going to do?”
Chewing on my lip, I thought about it. “What I always do. Be myself.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have to stay true to who I am and what I believe in. I can’t be a populist and say what people want to hear. I’m different than the other members on the Council, but I see that as a good thing. Maybe the majority of the population prefer things the old way, but what about the rest of us? Who’s going to speak for the rebels, the romantics, and the thrill seekers, if not me?”
Mila’s dimples popped out as her face softened in a smile. Swinging her hand through the air she spoke in a narrator’s voice. “Authenticity is the highest form of integrity. Quote Councilman Jonah Cervici.”
“Are you making fun of me?”
“No. I’m in awe of you.” Placing her hand on her chest she still smiled. “When you talk like that it makes my heart beat faster.”
“You are making fun of me!”
“No, it makes complete sense because if you can’t be true to yourself, you can’t be true to any cause. I get it!”
My shoulde
rs relaxed. “Does that mean you agree?”
“By agree, do you mean if I want you to challenge the other hundred Council members to see things differently? Of course I do.”
“Good, because that’s what I was elected to do in the first place.”
Mila blew out her cheeks. “True, but be strategic about how you do it. Everyone is threatened by change. It’s the same back home.”
I was thoughtful for a second. “You’re right.”
“Look at the bright side, at least here people don’t beat you up for disagreeing with them.”
“There’s that, but facing a Council full of critics isn’t fun either. It’s just a matter of time before they schedule a hearing. I should prepare my defense.”
Mila’s shoulders fell. “I’m sorry.”
“They will expect me to stand with my head down and apologize to them like a schoolboy, but I can’t do that, Mila. Not when my agenda on the Council is to change the same laws that I broke.”
Lifting her arms, she silently invited me in for a hug. I moved close to her and with her sitting on the counter, my head rested perfectly against her neck.
“No matter what happens, I’ll support you.”
Hugging Mila felt like finding a safe haven during a powerful storm and for a short moment everything was all right. “Thank you, Milove,” I whispered against her neck and wondered what she would do if I kissed her again.
“Just do me a favor.” Mila pulled back to look at me. “Talk to Pearl before the hearing. Didn’t she once pull something off against all odds that was of the same magnitude as this?”
I nodded and planted a kiss on Mila’s cheek. “I’ll talk to her. I promise.”
“Good.” For a moment we held eye contact and I was so close to kissing her when she turned her attention back to the book. “Do you mind if I read it now?”
“No.” Swallowing hard, I pulled back and tried to act normal. “Go ahead, you’ll love it.”
Mila slid down from the counter, holding the book against her chest like the precious item it was. “You’ve read it. Is it very steamy?”
