Chapter 33 #2
“A different approach to killing you,” Genevieve had groused.
“Fair,” Kendrick had admitted. “But it demonstrates that Gisela has intelligence enough to see which way the wind is blowing. If we can get her on our side, or at least ensure that she has no more involvement with plots, we could sway a distinct amount of the undecided among the Ossuary in our favor.”
Genevieve had agreed to the meeting, still inwardly doubtful.
Now Gisela raised one disbelieving eyebrow. “Then why did you choose to share these notable accomplishments in private, instead of in front of my aunts? If it was in an effort to spare salting my wounds, it was very diplomatic of you, I’m sure, but everyone knows what happened in Yorkshire.”
Genevieve did her best not to clench her teeth. “No, you’re absolutely right, Miss Connors.”
Gisela smiled thinly.
Kendrick pinned the other woman with a hard stare. “The truth is, Miss Connors, I know you were one of the masterminds behind some of the attempts on my life.”
Gisela stilled. Her gaze flickered from Kendrick to the scabbard behind his chair. “You’ve no proof of that.”
“Do I need proof, when I heard it from your own lips?” Genevieve said, tilting her head to the side.
Gisela’s expression turned as cold as marble. She could not call the lady of the Ossuary a liar—not to her face. “And so, the reason for this visit becomes clear. Must I submit myself to the Ossuary’s justice?”
Kendrick watched her closely. “No, but you may have to humble yourself and receive the Ossuary’s mercy.”
She glanced between them, something flickering behind her eyes. “I don’t understand.”
Kendrick drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair.
“You’re a smart and clever woman. You survived as a vampire and reached one of the highest positions of power available to you.
And you weren’t hotheaded enough to come at me with a knife yourself.
Now, whether you should answer for the men and women you sent to their deaths is a different question. ”
“Allegedly,” Gisela said, voice flat. “Unless you have evidence besides your unsupported word.”
Kendrick acknowledged that with a nod. “But we have noted a distinct downturn in the number of assassination attempts.”
She folded her hands deliberately in her lap. “Only fools try the same thing over and over. Perhaps your would-be conspirators have decided not to be fools.”
“I do believe you are no one’s fool, Miss Connors. But Laurent is,” Genevieve pointed out.
Gisela’s gaze snapped to her. “Is this what this meeting is about? Laurent?”
Kendrick said, “He is the other side of this coin. Laurent has not only plotted against me, but also has abused his privilege over those he turns and killed a human by proxy. His crimes go too far, and I believe that unless he is found, he will not show the good sense to stop, as you have.”
“I don’t know where he is.”
“But you know those who might,” Genevieve said.
The corners of her mouth turned down. “And in return for…what? Whispering in ears, I get to live?”
“You get to live either way,” Genevieve said flatly. “Much to my disappointment.”
Kendrick laid a hand over Genevieve’s. “What my wife means is, Miss Connors—we present you with two alternate futures. The direction we would like to take the Ossuary: the improvements and care for all its citizens, and the capacity of mercy that was so lacking in years past. And the direction Laurent would like to drag the Ossuary, which is exactly nowhere.”
“Or in whatever direction best serves his changing desires,” Genevieve said.
Kendrick told her, “I believe what we have said. You are a very intelligent and capable woman, one who probably chafed surrounded by men with grasping, self-serving ambitions. And probably many in the Ossuary realized that. Whatever direction you decide to support—or not support, as it happens—we simply ask that you let that decision be known.” He stood and bowed.
“All the vampire members of your household are also invited to our New Year’s ball,” Genevieve said, dipping her hand into her reticule and handing Gisela the invitation.
“There will not be refreshments, but an evening of conversation and dancing and entertainment. I hope you will all be able to come. Everyone in the Ossuary is welcome.”
“Do you think anything will come of it?” Genevieve asked as she and Kendrick took their leave of the Connors household and stepped out onto the dark street, a few cabs and a carriage passing in front of the house.
“All we can do is plant seeds and see,” Kendrick said. “Thank you for coming with me.”
“I wasn’t going to let you step into the lion’s den alone,” she said tartly, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. In an altogether different tone, she added, “But you were right. Holding a grudge against Gisela will not be helpful for the Ossuary.”
“I do have productive ideas every so often.” He smirked.
“You didn’t even use your talent on her.”
“No. I think she is the sort who is hypersensitive to that sort of thing, like you. I had to rely on words alone.”
“Poor you.” Genevieve smiled. “I don’t really hate Gisela. I just take exception to people who try to kill you.”
He set his hand over hers and squeezed. “Since that brought your path to cross with mine in the first place, I’ll never cease being grateful for it, Jenny.”