AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Generally,” I spoke loud enough to draw everyone’s attention, “when a new council is formed, there’s some written…”
Stevenson interrupted me. “And I’m sure you’ll be happy to provide said affidavit for us.”
“Of course. Just as soon as I notify Madam Munro by telegraph.”
My smile did not falter but Stevenson’s did. “We don’t need to bother her with something so insignificant.”
I leaned forward, forearms resting on the tabletop to emphasize my sincerity. “But it’s not insignificant at all. The foundation of a new Council is an event to be celebrated. Why, when Portland established their Council, I hear the party lasted for days.”
Oliver Stevenson frowned as if I’d somehow insulted him. “We have better things to do with our time.”
“Regardless, you’ll need the National Congress to approve your organization.”
“Like hell. We’ve made our own arrangements. No need to trouble anyone further up for any reason whatsoever.” His snarl surprised me, but Rafe’s response surprised me more.
“You will be civil, Stevenson, or I’ll give you a lesson in manners.” His calm, measured words were so far from the Rafe Gallagher I knew that I glanced quickly to make sure he hadn’t been replaced by a counterfeit.
“You always have been an expert on manners,” Stevenson murmured. Rafe inhaled, as if he meant to respond, but I bumped him with my elbow.
“Perhaps,” I said, grateful Rafe took my cue, “you could provide us with more details regarding your plans for your new Council.”
Mrs. Morrison tilted her head, fixing me with a smile. “You would know better than all of us.” Her gaze flicked from me to Rafe. “You persuade him.”
Despite myself, I felt the color rise in my cheeks.Had Rafe’s shields failed?“The Council in San Francisco does a great deal. My own function is to help keep the peace between the magical and the mundane.”
“Obviously, we’ll assign someone to do the same here.”
Stevenson’s lofty superiority made my jaw clench. Given that Margaret and I had spent days in this town without coming across other witches, they had much work to do.
“Our work will be much more effective if the Gallaghers join with us,” Mrs. Morrison said. “They do possess such amazing…talents.”
This woman was dancing on the blade of a knife, and her tiny smile said she knew it. One of the sisters blurted, “and they’ve kept it all to themselves. It’s time for them to share.”
I blinked in surprise at how quickly the mood had changed. Tension rang through the room, and everyone sat forward, expressions ranging from excited interest to fear.
Stevenson, however, looked more amused than anything else. “The way I see it, the Gallaghers have little choice but to join with us.”
“How so?” Rafe’s tone was deadly.
“Well, it’s a matter of consequences, you see.” Stevenson spoke with too much bravado for a marginally talented waterwitch. “Join with us or I can guarantee you won’t like what happens next.”
For a moment it felt like everyone in the room held their breath. Even Mrs. Morrison’s sly gaze was fixed on Rafe, as if she couldn’t help but wait to see how he’d respond.
In fact, he met their challenge with…nothing.
“If that is all, Fairchild and I will be going.” Rafe stood and, as if willed by his motion, I did too.
“We’re not done yet,” Mrs. Morrison trilled. “Tell them, Ollie.”
“Sit,” Stevenson commanded, sending a flash of power our way. It broke over us like waves on a rock, fading into nothing.
Neither of us obeyed him.
“We’ll see ourselves out,” Rafe said. He turned, so I did, too. He stood between me and the door, so with a surreptitious hand on his elbow, I guided him out.
“We’ll have it, you know. We know Martin’s secret, and when we come looking, you and your mother and your pretty new friend will not be able to stand against us.”
Rafe jerked to a stop so sharp, I came close to bouncing off his back. He turned more slowly, taking off his glasses so that he faced Stevenson with eyes as black as bottomless pits of tar. Power came off him in waves, and from the dumbstruck faces around the table, I wasn’t the only one who felt it.
