Jack Wilder: Sorcerer's Rising

Yellow Journalism

Chapter 12

Following the large man asking easily most straight forward question Jack had heard in two days, Tiberius threw himself forward, “Good morning Mr. Sinclair, how is it you knew that we would be here on this fine September day.  You realize it is illegal to stalk a lord’s catacomb, or wire it in anyway?”

Milana and Alastor, both took threatening steps forward clearly ready to arrest this man.  Mr. Sinclair however had a ready answer, “Absolutely not my Lords and Ladies; however it is quite common knowledge there was a Jack Arcturus Wilder born on September the 10th eighteen years ago from yesterday.  It was mere common sense that he would make an appearance in his families vaults either today or yesterday, conveniently I made the mistake and showed up at 10Am yesterday morning. “

Jack addressed the man, “You came here yesterday at ten am to meet me?”

Beal Sinclair was an interesting looking man.  Bearing a remarkable resemblance between himself and Teddy Roosevelt, Jack looked him over.  His ugly purple suit burned in Jack’s eyes and the monocle the man was wearing made Jack continuously begin to question if he was even looking at the man’s real eyes.  Sinclair responded, “Of course Jack, you are quite famous as being the heir to the Pendragon line, many people have awaited your return, and I just know my readers would love to get some feedback on some of your future goals and plans within the magical community.”

Tiberius grunted, “That is Lord Wilder to you Mr. Sinclair.”

Jack held his hand to stop Tiberius, “It’s fine, Mr. Sinclair does hold some validity as I am not Lord Wilder until the government takes me in.  That being said, until that day Mr. Sinclair may address me as everyone else, Jack or Mr. Wilder will do until Friday afternoon.”  Jack then looked dangerous at Sinclair, “At which point he will address me by my proper title.”

Jack knew how to play this game.  It was the cat and mouse game, the reporter came here believing he was the cat, but Jack was about to change all of that.  Sinclair took a low bow, “Of course Jack, of course. So can you spare a man who is trying to make an honest living a few minutes?”

Tatiana snorted rather unattractively, “An honest living is that what you call the crap they print at the press stations?”

Mr. Sinclair faked a look of appall, “Madam Pernelle, I would never print a false word, especially against a Lord of our society.”

Tatiana countered quickly, “How about a Lady of this society, I still distinctly recall you questioning my mother’s sexual orientation in one of your gossip columns!”

Beal countered back just as quickly, “But that is precisely what it is Madam Pernelle, a gossip column!  Now please Lord Wilder I promise not to take too much of your time.”

Jack exchanged looks at the others, while Maverick came up and whispered in his ear, “Despite the resentment in this group towards Mr. Sinclair, he is a very well-known and renowned journalist in our world, giving him a few words won’t hurt anybody.  As your legal adviser, I actually advise you to throw the wolves a bone.”

Jack nodded then spoke directly to the man, “I will give you a brief interview Mr. Sinclair, out in the open, in front of everyone, due to the fact my familiar, Maghteana the griffin, doesn’t like me to leave her company when in the presence of strangers.”

In understanding Maghteana tilted her head back and cawed to the skies, shaking the ground slightly at the noise and pitch of the crescendo.   Sinclair gulped and nodded his head quickly, “Please throughout the interview you may refer to me as my everyday name which is just Upton.  Now Mr. Wilder, as this is the first word from the Pendragon slash Wilder family, can you tell us more about the night of your parent’s accident.”