Chapter 38 #2
“So.” Caspien started with his eyes trained on his hands in his lap. “What would you like us to sit in on? Or weigh in on? I assume that is what the meeting time slots are for tomorrow and Thursday.”
“Xavier’s murder. We want to get to the bottom of what happened,” I said it straight out, figured getting right to the point was the best way to breech the subject.
“I thought it was determined that Alexander arranged to have a horde of new vampires kill him? That Alexander was simply dodging punishment.”
“Alexander. Well, he got in contact with me. He asked to meet with me and recited his version of events. When I heard what he had to say and what Scott, Xavier’s partner at the time, had to say, I wanted the other leaders to hear both sides too.
I wanted us to sit and discuss it together and come to a conclusion that way. ”
“You don’t trust yourself?” Caspien asked flatly. I felt a small flare of anger rolling off Maddox.
“Do you trust me to make a decision? You don’t even know me, why would you?
I have no track record and no former relationship with any of you that should lead you to blindly trust me.
That would be insane, and I am not going to be a joke or a scapegoat when things don’t pan out the way that one or more groups wanted.
I want to rule together; I do not want to rule out of fear. ”
“Well, I do have to say that you sound very sincere. I guess I would have to see your plan in action in order to see if it’s a good one. You have my full cooperation. I will sit in and listen to their versions of events.”
“Thank you for your openness and willingness to try something new. I am truly grateful.” Bringing my drink to my lips, I finished the contents of the glass. Standing up, I walked around the coffee table. “Please consider what I’ve said.”
Turning away from the witch, I found my way back to the rest of the partygoers with Maddox trailing behind. When I reached the open area of the library, I headed to the bar to refill my glass.
“I think that went well. You didn’t mince words, and you corrected him when you needed to. He didn’t dominate the conversation like he usually tends to do, but he doesn’t know much about you either and maybe he was trying to learn more about you.”
“Could be, I was honest and forthcoming with my intentions. I just hope he listened and is willing to go along with my plan.” I felt confident in the way I presented myself and my train of thought.
“If he doesn’t want to participate in my vision, that is his right.
However, that does leave the witches without a vote until they elect a new individual. ”
“If he were to decline, I believe that would guarantee he wouldn’t be reelected. No one would back an individual as their leader if their plan was to stand idly by and just let things happen without so much as voicing their opinion.”
“So, without knowing, I had backed him into a corner. He doesn’t have a bloodline on his side.”
I felt slightly guilty now that I was replaying the conversation in my head.
He practically had no choice but to fall in line.
I offered him a hell of a deal. I asked them to give their opinions on matters that need to be handled.
Everyone immediately knows the outcome, and the decisions aren’t just left to someone who may be unable to empathize with a cryptid.
I refused to make a stupid decision and then be na?ve about it.
“Pretty much, but trust me when I tell you he did not think you did it intentionally. He would have definitely called you out if he thought you had.”
While we were standing next to the bar talking, Bonnie walked over with Heather and Katrina.
“Hello ladies, you all look fabulous tonight. Heather, that dress is absolutely adorable; your style is very classic.”
“Thank you, I have a love for the simple and elegant.”
She was wearing a knee-length yellow dress with a belt at the waist. She wore a crinoline under the skirt, which made it full and fun. The top of the dress was sleeveless and sheer across the shoulders and neck. There was beautiful beading sewn into the dress that elevated it.
Katrina’s dress was blue silk, and it was tight. “That dress is amazing, Joslyn. The embroidery is so eye-catching.”
“It’s one of my favorites for sure.”
We kept up the small talk for a few minutes until I noticed Oscar standing at the bar behind me.
He tossed a few peanuts into his mouth from a dish on the bar.
The young man that was tending bar handed the werewolf a bottle of beer with a lime stuck in the top.
He pushed the lime into the bottle and took a swig.
I excused myself from the ladies and began to walk in his direction.
“How are you doing this evening?” He pulled the bottle from his lips and smiled.
“Joslyn, you look lovely this evening. I’m doing fantastic. How are you?”
“I’m great, even better now that my speech is over. Would you like to walk and talk? Or perhaps sit and talk?”
“As long as we talk?” He smirked. Turning, he began walking to a corner of the room where two wingback chairs sat next to a candelabra creating a small conversation area. “So, Ms. Lawson, what is it that you need to discuss with me?”
“I would like to operate things a little differently than Ray did. I don’t think it’s wise, just, or fair for me to rule above everyone else.
I believe that when there are issues that need to be resolved, the five of us need to work together to come up with a resolution.
I think if an issue is important enough that it needs to be taken all the way to the top, then maybe every race should have their say in the outcome. ”
“I understand what you are trying to accomplish. You want shared leadership but with it comes shared responsibility.”
“Yes, absolutely. If everyone is sharing their viewpoint, then we can understand the situation from five different perspectives. Everyone has their say and can be heard. It better equips The Order to not miss small details that could make a huge difference. I don’t think any one person should be making decisions for everyone; that’s not fair to anyone. ”
“So, tell me what you have in mind for the here and now. I have to assume you brought us here for a reason other than a simple introduction.” His voice was deep, and the man was very sure of himself.
“I want to revisit the murder of Xavier.”
“So, you don’t believe that Alexander had anything to do with it?” he said, leaning forward in his chair, interest flooding his face.
“I’m not sure. I don’t know Alexander or Scott or any of you for that matter. I don’t think Ray gave it the attention it deserved. He automatically believed Scott, at least I assume, and I am not willing to afford him that comfort.”
“So, then what is your plan?”
“I want Scott and Alexander to retell their version of events for all of you, and I want us to come to a decision together. Alexander approached me to revisit the case. I’m not sure if he just wants back in and he’s guilty or if he truly wants justice for his maker.”
“As long as you accept that we may not agree with you. Also, if this is your decision to incorporate us all into the decision making now then it should be that way moving forward.”
He wanted reassurance that I wasn’t going to pick and choose when I wanted to include them. He didn’t know me, and I could see why he wouldn’t trust me.
“If you would like for me to have paperwork drawn up to make the agreement binding, I can do that.”
I was not going to back out of my decision. I was a woman of her word, and I intended to stand by that.
“There is no need for any paperwork. In a world such as ours, your word will have to suffice. We are the top and no one is there to hold us accountable but ourselves. We need to trust one another and hold each other accountable. When we meet tomorrow, we can discuss it between the five of us. Checks and balances are our foundation. Each of us will have a voice and in turn we will all share responsibility.”
“Very well. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me and listening to what I have to say. I look forward to working alongside you.” I stood up and turned to face him.
“And I, you; Joslyn.” He tipped his bottle in my direction and raised it to his lips, finishing the beer.
I left Oscar and went about locating Maddox. I found him talking to Jerome next to the fireplace and headed in his direction. As I approached Jerome put his hand in the air and waved me over.
“Joslyn, how lovely to see you again. That dress is fabulous, and you look absolutely stunning, my dear.” He embraced me in a hug and pecked my cheek.
“Jerome, I’m so glad you could join us. You were such a wonderful host when we visited. I hope that I am returning the favor adequately.”
“You flatter me, thank you so much. It was my pleasure, truly. I am enjoying myself immensely and the hospitality is unparalleled.”
“Jerome was just telling me about all the wonderful fall things there are to do in Louisiana.” Maddox looked at me. “Maybe we should go there on vacation.”
“I do love Louisiana. We have some time to figure it out,” I said, putting my hand on his bicep.
“The last time I saw the two of you together, I don’t believe you were a couple. You were behaving as though something was there but not a couple. I take it things have progressed?” Jerome was very candid, and I appreciated anyone who had a distaste for beating around the bush.
“Yes, Jerome, I was able to reel her in. It took some work, but I would have put in any amount of effort that I needed to make her mine.” I could feel myself blushing and my ears went hot.
“I need to find Matthew. He is the only person that I have yet to speak with.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Maddox asked.
“No, I’m fine. I can handle it.”
“I know, but I could be your emotional support vampire.”