Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 61767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Yes, Theron did a service to the Society,” he agrees. “And for that, he shall be rewarded.”
“You and Theron can work out those details between yourselves another time. But The Tribunal’s role, considering it is The Tribunal who manages security for our members, is what I’d like to discuss tonight.”
He clears his throat, struggling with this part. But neither Santiago nor I plan to let him off the hook, and we sit quietly, letting time do its work.
“I believe, gentlemen, that it came down to one thing. Vincent Douglas was determined to avenge his sister’s death. And we as The Tribunal underestimated his determination.”
“And my pregnant wife was almost killed for it!” I slam a fist on his desk.
Both Hildebrand’s guard and Santiago are on their feet in an instant, each with a hand on my shoulder. I realize I’m up towering over the older man. And Hildebrand looks more afraid than I’ve ever seen him.
I draw a deep breath in and manage my rage.
“Judge,” Santiago says quietly, gesturing for me to sit.
I do. And again, we wait for Hildebrand as he instructs his guard to leave the room. No witnesses, I guess. Once the guard is gone, he clears his throat and starts.
“The oversight was ours. And The Tribunal apologizes for any inconvenience.”
“You must agree it was more than an inconvenience, Councilor,” Santiago says through gritted teeth.
“Yes, it was. You have our sincerest apology.” He tilts his head, hating this. “But, Judge, since you mention your wife’s pregnancy. She was impregnated while in your care under the Rite, isn’t that correct?” he asks me with a pointed glance at Santiago.
“That matter is not for you to consider, Councilor,” I say calmly. Even if Santiago has forgiven me, I should have done better and been more trustworthy. Done things the correct way with Mercedes.
“Well, perhaps her brother would like it considered.”
“They are married. My sister is happy,” Santiago says. “And I am very pleased to call Judge my brother.” Santiago looks at me, and I feel a rush of emotion at his words. He turns back to Hildebrand. “That is all that matters.”
“IVI will need to move toward adopting more modern thinking on such matters, don’t you think, Councilor?” I ask.
He raises his eyebrows.
“It’s one of the initiatives I plan to pursue once I’m seated on The Tribunal.”
This stops him, and I see what I believe to be as authentic a smile as he can muster. “Well, Judge, this is good news.”
I’m sure he still believes the power of being a councilor will corrupt me. I have no intention of allowing it to turn me into someone like him.
“I’ve already spoken with Montrose privately. Once he steps down in a few years’ time, I will take his place.”
“A few years?” The pleased smile is gone.
“He is not ready to go, and a seat on The Tribunal is a lifetime appointment. As you say yourself, the law must be followed to the letter.” Those were his exact words when he’d ordered my brutal lashing.
“Yes, that’s true, isn’t it? What are we if we cannot follow our own laws.”
“Exactly.”
I check my watch and stand. “It’s late. We don’t want to keep you, and we have an early morning, don’t we?” I ask Santiago.
“We do, and if I am not home to assist Ivy in packing, I will not hear the end of it.”
“I’ll be sure Theron touches base with you regarding that compensation once he’s home.”
“I look forward to it,” Hildebrand says, extending a hand to me.
I look at it, and I take it. Because it’s all you can do with men like him. Keep them close. Keep balance on that playing field.
“Enjoy your honeymoon, Judge,” he says.
“Thank you, Councilor.”
EPILOGUE
MERCEDES
“Is everything to your liking, Mr. Montgomery?”
The stewardess eyes my husband like he’s a cool drink on a hot summer day. It’s the same way she’s been eyeing him all week, and I don’t like it. I don’t like it one fucking bit. Yet there’s something to be said because Judge doesn’t take his eyes off me as he responds.
“Everything is perfect.” His hand skims up over my thigh beneath the table, fingers warming my sun-kissed skin.
The stewardess lingers, waiting for his eyes to catch hers, but they never do.
“That will be all.” I grin at her, all teeth. “Unless there’s something else you’d like to ask my husband?”
She blanches, shaking her head quickly, and then scurries off.
“I swear to God,” I grumble as I squeeze Judge’s ridiculously handsome face between my palms. “I can’t take you anywhere.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s true.” He leans closer, his lips brushing against mine. “I rather like seeing you this way.”
“Is that so?” I smile at him sweetly.
He nods, his hand skating further up my thigh. His eyes are dark and hot, and it wouldn’t take much to lure him below deck right now. But if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s that Judge and I still like to play games. We just play them a little differently now.