Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 69909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Councilor Augustus raises his eyebrows.
“Zeke’s not here,” I say.
“Oh, I know that. Young lady, I can imagine you weren’t taught proper etiquette, knowing your father even briefly, but let me tell you that it is polite to introduce yourself and to take a hand offered in greeting.”
“My… father?”
His smile betrays his distaste, and he gestures to his hand.
For some reason, I place mine in his. I don’t know what else to do.
He clears his throat, waiting.
“I’m Blue. Blue Masterson,” I say, not sure why because I don’t think it matters anymore.
“Now, now, you know what I do, yes? I am a Councilor of The Tribunal. Lying is not tolerated in my courtroom and liars are severely punished. It is not something to take lightly. However, I’m not unreasonable. Since you’re new to our ways, let’s try again. Your name is?”
“Blue Thorne.”
“Better. I believe you may have something for me.”
“What would I have?”
He gestures to a man who comes over and pats me down. I don’t bother to fight him because he won’t find anything and better to pretend ignorance.
“Nothing, sir.”
The Councilor nods. “Well, Blue Thorne, have a seat.”
“I’m fine. How do you know my father?”
“Sit and I’ll tell you.”
I sit where he points while his men turn the office upside down, pulling out desk drawers and dumping them on the floor, tossing files out of a tall cabinet.
When I turn back to the Councilor, he’s sitting with both hands on his cane watching me intently.
“I had the displeasure of meeting Lucky very recently. Not twenty-four hours ago.” His lip curls. “Not a very nice man, is he?” He cocks his head, studying me as if he really cares.
“No, he’s not.” But neither are you, I want to say, but don’t.
“Where is it?” he asks.
I furrow my brows. “Where is what?”
“Give it to me and this is over. We leave. You return to your life playing mistress of the mansion. No harm, no foul. I have nothing with you, Blue Thorne.”
“What about Zeke and Jericho?”
He raises his eyebrows. “They’re grown men. They can handle themselves without your help, I’m sure.”
This man is evil. I see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice. Hell, I feel the malice vibrating off him.
“You want to take your sister and disappear,” he continues, gaze never faltering as he scrutinizes me. “I can do that for you. The St. James brothers, they belong to The Society. Our rules are different. You are not a part of The Society. I’m giving you an opportunity to walk away, Blue Thorne. It will only be offered once. Be cleverer than your father. I think you are, aren’t you? Take what I’m offering. Give me what I want and walk away.”
He’s lying. He’s selling me real estate on a swamp. No way he’s going to let me walk away and even if he did, I won’t let him hurt Zeke or his brother. No way.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Councilor,” I say, my heart racing even as I try to keep my voice level.
He exhales with a hm. “Indeed.” He turns to one of his men. “Maurice.”
Maurice looks to the Councilor. “Yes, sir.”
The Councilor stands, checks his watch. “Ines will be wondering where I am. And I mustn’t be late for the Atonement hour. Bring the young lady to the house.”
I jump to my feet. “No.”
The Councilor shifts his gaze to me and slowly approaches. I can’t help my step backward because this man is a predator and instinct is telling me to run. “I don’t think you realize who you’re dealing with here. I will show you, so you see with your own eyes.” He holds his cane up, pointing the lion’s head between my eyes as he says the last part.
“I’m not going anywhere. Zeke will be back—”
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll come as soon as he hears you’re visiting. Not to worry.” He turns back to Maurice. “Bring her. The rest of you keep searching,” he tells the room of guards. He makes his way out without a backward glance and Maurice stalks toward me, hands like sausages fisted at his sides, a mean look in his eyes. He takes painful hold of my arm and I cry out.
The Councilor begins to whistle a summery tune as Maurice marches me out of the room. I go because I don’t have a choice, but I don’t make it easy. The Councilor’s driver opens his door, and he climbs inside, still whistling. I assume they’re going to put me in the back beside him and I don’t know if I’m relieved or terrified when Maurice walks me to the back of the van instead. I’m full-on fighting but he is unfazed. The Rolls Royce carrying the Councilor drives past, the Councilor raising a hand to wave, smiling, as Maurice opens the double back doors of the vehicle and easily lifts me inside. He cuffs my wrists to a bar hanging from the roof which forces me to lean forward at an uncomfortable angle. There are six restraints, I notice, and two long benches and I wonder what the hell the Councilor is transporting that he needs a van like this.