Enemy Mine

Chapter 29

I knew I would regret eating everything on my plate, but Terrance had given me a linebacker's portion of frittata, and I didn't want to insult him. Based on the skeptical looks he gave me over breakfast, I got the impression he didn't think highly of hybrids, or maybe he was offended by my potent perfume. Of course, I didn't need to impress the houseboy. I needed to impress his master.

Just before nine, we all piled into the Land Rover and drove to an ancient-looking courthouse a few blocks away. The building no longer served the citizens of Verona, having zero amenities to speak of, but the soaring ceilings, the spectators loft, and the wood burning stove gave the place more character than any modern courtroom.

The magisters, five in total, had donned ivory robes, making them look like priests as they convened at a rectangular table, with Adamo Ricci seated at the head. Introductions were made, and I learned that only one of the council magisters lived in the states; George, from San Francisco. Sylvie and Colin took seats on a bench nearby, and Adamo started the hearing with two rapid taps of his gavel.

"Welcome, esteemed council members," he began, sweeping the sleeve of his robe across the table. "We have come to hear the charges brought upon Boris Seacrest by his grandson, Vincent Valentino. The charges read as follows: that Boris willingly and with malice of forethought, pushed Reese Kentwell, Vincent's affianced, off a fifty-eight story balcony knowing she was incapable of making the change and saving herself from imminent death."

Sylvie's gasp caught the attention of the entire room, and she slapped her hand over her mouth much too late. Damn. Another dismal failure on my part.

Adamo jumped at my oversight like a tiger on a mouse. "Were you unaware that your friend nearly met her end this way?" he asked Sylvie.

"Um, yes. But in her defense, Reese has been feeding me information in small doses so I don't pass out again."

"Oh, dear. Are you a fainter? Should I fetch smelling salts?"

"No, I'm good. I was just a little overcome when she told me she was a gargoyle."

Adamo's eyes widened. "I imagine you must have thought her insane."

"Not really. I know Reese is as sane and I am. That's why I passed out."

Adamo acknowledged Sylvie with a satisfied nod and turned his attention to the accused. "Boris Seacrest, how do you plead to these charges your grandson brings to the council?"

Boris' lips puffed out as he breathed through his mustache. "Well, if we are here to split hairs, I plead guilty to pushing her off the balcony, but I am innocent of any wrongdoing. Reese claimed to have some knowledge of flying, and I was giving her a chance to demonstrate."

"Reese told you she had not learned the skills of flight," Vincent argued. "You knew she had no chance of surviving a fall like that given her limited training."

"And why had she not received adequate training?" Adamo asked Vincent.

"Shortly after Reese's wings came in, she was abducted by demons and taken to their hive. Her training started the evening after her rescue."

"Yes, the demons have a keen interest in Reese, I hear." Adamo caught me in the sights of his dark, all-knowing eyes. "And, you had the privilege of meeting the queen."

"Yes. My mother grew up in the hive, so Cecile wanted to meet me." I glanced at Vincent, wondering if Adamo knew about the amulet. I decided to err on the side of caution and not mention it unless the subject came up.

"What do you think of the demons?" Adamo asked me.

Geez. How did I end up on trial?

"Well, in the short time I've known them, I can't help thinking of them like humans. Some are entertaining and some you want to punch in the face."