The Order of Huntsmen

Ashton Interlude

"I am sorely disappointed by your conduct, Agent Waverly." 

Ashton gritted his teeth and waited for more endless criticism. The Council was being particularly ruthless that day. 

Councilor Washington pulled off her bifocals and set them on the table in front of her. "I hate to have to agree with Councilor Jefferson. Tell me Agent, it seems you had the forethought to travel to New York, but not the foresight to prevent an attack. Would you explain that to me?" 

Ashton sat up straight in his chair. "Of course, ma'am. I was travelling to New York on separate business. As I'm sure you know, we have had no way to predict these attacks. It was..." Ashton trailed off as he lost his words. 

"Wrong place, wrong time?" She offered helpfully. 

Ashton sighed, "Yes ma'am." 

Councilor Washington hummed in response. 

Councilor Madison cleared his throat before he spoke, his voice raspy from years of cigarette smoke. "I find it concerning that we had two protected class charges in the same location, not to mention attacked. Was their placement intentional, Agent?" 

"No, sir. It seems like a matter of, well, poor luck." 

Councilor Madison raised a fluffy brow. "You're not one for oversight, Agent." 

"No, sir, I'm not. I had hand picked Mr. Holt's roommates in advance, something went wrong the day of move in, and he was randomly reassigned. I couldn't interfere further, for risk of endangering Mr. Hale. I've been collaborating with the Hale team to ensure we don't experience further hiccups." 

"Except for this." 

Ashton deflated. "Yes, sir." 

Councilor Madison wasn't impressed.

Councilor Jefferson shuffled through her papers. "What is the status of the Fae?"

"Mr. Fionnghall has agreed to our terms." 

"Fionnghall?" Madison asked, looking a bit pale. 

"That's correct, sir." 

"God help us," Madison muttered, shaking his head. Ashton looked a bit confused, prompting Councilor Madison to clear his throat and say, "Moving on. What is your plan for Mr. Holt?" 

Ashton's muscles twitched as he fought the urge to fidget. "I would like your permission to take him as my apprentice when he graduates." 

The council members looked between themselves, communicating through eye contact alone. Ashton waited a few tense seconds before Councilor Washington spoke. "We will watch him for the remainder of his schooling, and make our decision from there." 

Ashton nearly sighed in relief. That was more than he was expecting. He hadn't lied to Orion, not really. Orion was being considered for a role at the Order. Like a book keeper, maybe a receptionist. The Order wanted nothing more than easy access to keep an eye on him. Ashton didn't necessarily disagree with that assessment, but he knew Orion was capable of more. He knew Orion would accept no less. 

Ashton thought back to seeing Orion and Andrew after they had woken up, the teasing grin Daire wore when he thought no one was looking. He hoped they could become friends, if not just to keep themselves out of trouble. Lord knew that Orion could use some friends. 

Ashton's train of thought drifted to Andrew, the blacked out marks on his file. The lack of most information besides a physical description and his full name and date of birth. He had met Andrew's father, the thought of him made him shudder, but he still did not know what either of them was. 

Ashton had almost been assigned to the task force in place to protect Andrew. Almost. Then he received word that he would be singlehandedly tasked with protecting  a young, curse afflicted, hunter. He had been angry at first, that promotion was supposed to be the highlight of his career. That was until he saw the scraggily, doe eyed teen before him. Both looking afraid and too tired to care. He had read Orion's file, but he wasn't prepared for the lack of light behind his eyes. That was enough for him. He would give his life for Orion if that's what it took. 

"If I may, Councilor, should I be worried about Mr. Hale?" He didn't know himself what he meant when he said it.

Washington raised her brow, "Focus on your charge, Waverly. Unless you were referring to Mr. Hale, the senior. In which case, yes." Her joke earned her a few earnest chuckles from her counterparts as she got to her feet and straightened out the folder before her. 

He didn't have to ask what she meant by that, Lucien Hale had something about him that just made Ashton's spine crawl. 

Ashton got to his feet as the Councilors began to collect their belongings. "Am I dismissed?" 

"Yes, Agent. We expect weekly progress reports for the foreseeable future. Am I clear?" Councilor Madison replied. 

"Of course, sir." 

The Councilor spared him a nod, and they all filed out of the room, leaving Ashton alone. 

Ashton spared no time. He exited the council chambers and made his way down the twisting halls of the Californian Huntsmen headquarters. 

He had to wonder if Orion was alright. The last time he'd seen the man, he was acting like he had a pound of cocaine hidden behind his back. Andrew was particularly bitter as well, more so than Orion had said he was regularly. Ashton didn't push them, chalking it up to nerves after their attack. 

He knew Orion well enough to know that he was hiding something. The severity of that secret was yet to be seen. The only thing he could do now was his best to protect them when they found whatever they were looking for. 

Ashton sighed and scratched at the two day old stubble on his chin. It was going to be a long day.