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Rafe slid down Nikki’s side and walked up to Aaron. As much as he wanted to punch the dragonman in the face, he demanded instead, “Tell me what you found out.”
Nikki grunted behind him, adding her own demand.
“Well,” Aaron replied, “one of the human males admitted he worked with the dragon hunters. But, and it’s a big but, he says he participated in the attack without their knowledge.”
“How is that even possible? From what we know, Bourne doesn’t allow his hunters to live if they betray him,” Rafe stated.
“True, but the man is with a hunter group from Leeds, which Bourne doesn’t control. They purchased a few cheaper versions of the weapon first used on Tristan almost two years ago. As is common in the hunter groups unaffiliated with Bourne, there’s weak leadership and little direction. The twenty people from today’s attack took matters into their own hands, procured a few weapons, and attacked us,” Aaron explained.
Rafe frowned. “But that doesn’t make sense. Procuring even one of those weapons would cost a bloody fortune. How did they manage three?”
“Zain is trying to find that out.” Aaron’s mobile beeped with a text message alert. After he checked it, he cursed. “We need to watch the news.”
He moved to stand so both Rafe and Nikki could see the small screen of his smartphone. The BBC live video began streaming and a grainy video probably recorded with a mobile phone played, showing a laser blasting Nikki and her subsequent fall.
A male announcer then came on screen. “With the most trusted dragon clan in Britain under attack yet again, the public has been flooding the Department of Dragon Affairs with calls and emails, asking for action. Many feel the attack was a result of the Prime Minister not making a final Director appointment to the DDA since both Houses of Parliament have been unable to agree upon a candidate.
The hearings for the two contenders, Jonathan Christie and Rosalind Abbott, has been long and arduous. While an official word has yet to be released by Abbott, Christie is about to give a live press conference. Let’s go to the scene now.”
The feed switched from the television studio to a podium secured outside the rebuilt DDA headquarters in London. The balding man in his fifties at the podium was Jonathan Christie. Rafe hated everything about the man but pushed aside his anger to focus on his words.
Christie spoke up. “The attack on Clan Stonefire is a blow to us all. The one dragon clan that has proved itself time and again to be civilized and open to negotiations has also become a symbol of hatred and fear. I truly believe the prolonged lack of leadership inside the DDA since our former leader’s tragic death in the terrorist bombing is responsible. I urge the Prime Minister to make an appointment to the DDA. With a firm hand, the dragon hunters, Order of the Dragon Knights, and any others wishing to harm the dragon-shifters will be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.”
Christie paused for applause and Rafe muttered, “The fucking liar. He wants the dragons to cow down to humans. He’s said it before.”
Aaron nodded in agreement before the applause died down and Christie continued.
“Alas, my hands are tied at helping the poor beasts. As Deputy Director, I do not have the authority needed to take care of the attackers. My good people, I urge you to write and call your MPs. Tell them it’s time to put someone in charge of the DDA who can actually make a difference. With pressure, they may be able to convince the Prime Minister to make a decision before more of Stonefire has to suffer at the hands of domestic terrorists.”
More applause and cheers rang out as Christie left the podium. The news announcer’s form returned to the screen. “Christie has put out a call for constituents to make their voices heard. Maybe the will of the people will help solve the issues inside the DDA and save Clan Stonefire from more attacks.”
Aaron exited the streaming video and looked from Rafe to Nikki and back again. “I don’t know about you, but the timing of the attack and Christie’s sympathy speech seems pretty bloody convenient to me.”
Rafe nodded. “I agree. His sudden change of tune smells like a political hat trick to me. Somehow, some way, Christie must be connected to today’s attack.”
Nikki gave a low roar, and the both looked down to her talon tapping the ground. There was one word: prisoners.
Rafe met Nikki’s eye in understanding. He turned toward Aaron. “See if any of the prisoners will confess to a connection to Christie. Also, find out about the man who escaped—he could be a lead later. If we can’t find proof Christie is tied to the hunters and this attack, the man will probably be selected as head of the DDA after that speech.”
Clenching his mobile phone tightly, Aaron answered, “I’m supposed to leave for Ireland tomorrow, too. Kai and Zain will have to work on this while I’m gone.” He looked between Rafe and Nikki. “However, I think you two should help. With Rafe’s army contacts and resources, we might be able to speed the process along.”
“Provided I can keep my superiors from finding out the true reasons why I’m sniffing around some dragon hunters, it may work.”
“Just don’t get yourself thrown out of the army, Hartley.”
Rafe raised an eyebrow. “That almost sounded sincere.”
“Of course it’s sincere. After all, if the Ministry of Defence develops a way to defend against the laser guns, I want to know.”
Rafe shook his head. “And here I thought you appreciated my skills.”
Nikki bumped his back with her snout before he petted it with his hands. “I know you appreciate them, Nikki.”
Aaron pocketed his phone. “Right, then. I’ll leave you two be. I hope by the time I come back from Ireland, you’ll have the whole Christie issue sorted.”
“I’d almost say that was a challenge.”
Aaron smiled. “Good. Then we’ll see who accomplishes their mission first.”
