Chapter 39
We got through a much less stressful morning than the day before.
When we arrived at brunch it was just after eleven and I was okay with that.
Bonnie and I had decided to have a late morning meal on the covered back patio of the complex.
Smaller tables were set up in close proximity to one another.
The food was laid out on tables; there was an omelet and carving station, fresh fruit, eggs, pancakes, potatoes, biscuits, gravy, and every breakfast meat imaginable.
The bar was serving Bloody Mary’s and Maria’s along with mimosas, and coffee with anything you wanted in it; including but not limited to whiskey or Irish cream.
When we exited through the back doors that led to the large patio, it looked as though we were the last to arrive.
It was becoming painfully obvious that cryptids were very punctual creatures.
Heather waved at me from where she sat with her husband and son.
I was elated that it appeared as though they didn’t hate me, like I had originally dreaded.
I approached the buffet and got in line behind Rye. “How are you this morning? I really like that dress; the color is stunning on you.” Uryah was wearing a teal-colored sundress that was made of eyelet lace.
“I’m doing great. It’s nice to be able to relax and not have to worry about pack stuff for a few days, and thanks so much. This dress is one of my favorites.”
“Hopefully we can find some time to chat over the next couple of days.”
“I will look forward to it. It is nice to see a fresh face with some new views in this place. See you later, Joslyn.”
“I appreciate your saying that. I’ll talk to you later, Rye.”
I worked my way through the buffet line filling my plate with a bounty of food. I sat down at one of the free tables with Maddox. A waiter approached to gather our drink order. I ordered coffee and water and Maddox asked for the same.
“So, the meeting is scheduled for three. I would like to gather the five of us together prior to addressing things out in the open. I want everyone to know what is expected of them and how things will work going forward.”
Maddox took a bite of his food as the waiter returned with our beverages.
“I think that is wise. You don’t want confusion going into something like this.
Essentially, this is a trial, and you are setting a precedent.
Not to mention, the tone for how things will be conducted now and in the future.
Which is drastically different than how things were done previously. ”
I added creamer to my coffee and took a sip. I was late getting out of bed and barely got any coffee before I ran out the door.
“I feel confident in my decision. I don’t want to be responsible for everything.
I shouldn’t have to be. I keep having to say that.
I just wish people would understand that I’m not going to change my mind.
I am less remarkable than the others. Why should I hold more power?
Fear? That’s a dangerous reason to do something.
The one who is scared shouldn’t be the one in charge. ”
“Your grandfather wasn’t scared.”
“I didn’t say that he was. I didn’t even imply it. What I did imply is that thousands of years ago humans obtained the power because it was relinquished to them so they wouldn’t be scared. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to war, smart leaders don’t put the weak in power.”
“And what was trying to be accomplished was the opposite of war. It was peace. You have to see that.”
“I do see that, but I wasn’t referring to the war within,” I said, staring at him. “Even I’m not that na?ve.”
“We don’t know anything.” He wasn’t taking his eyes off me. “It could be nothing. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.”
“You also don’t want to get caught with your pants down. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Let us be prepared. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask. You do not need to bear this burden alone.”
I needed Maddox to understand what I was doing.
“I have only made it easier for you to ask for help. There is going to be more involvement from everyone which gives more options, more strategies, and more manpower. Well, sort of, you know what I mean. I won’t call it cryptid power.
That’s just ridiculous—you are not comic book characters. ”
Maddox started to chuckle. “I really never have to guess what you’re thinking.
Do I?” He wiped his mouth with his napkin.
“I will get with the others and have them prepared to meet at one o’clock.
There is a large room on the second floor that we are using for the meetings at three.
I will just make sure that it’s set up by one o’clock. ”
“Thank you.”
“Now, finish eating,” he said, pointing at my plate with the fork that was in his hand.
I was hungrier than I originally had thought and consumed my entire plate of food. I sat back in the chair with my coffee in hand. I was feeling at ease with everything so far.
When Maddox finished his food, he stood up from his chair and went about making his way around the room and informing the others that we were changing the meeting to one o’clock. Bonnie made her way over to where I was sitting, and she took a seat in Maddox’s empty chair.
“How are you feeling today?” She moved his plate out from in front of her.
“I feel great today. We are switching the meeting time to one o’clock. I want to discuss some things before we meet with either Scott or Alexander.”
“I will make sure the room is ready for you. Maddox had mentioned that your cousin Charlotte will be joining us tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, I am so sorry. I let the seamstress know that I needed a dress, but I completely forgot about anything else. I just assumed she could stay in my cabin and get ready there, for the gala. If things go the way I think that they may, she will be spending tomorrow night with Alexander. She isn’t exactly here to visit me. ”
“Don’t be sorry. He told me as soon as you got back. He didn’t want you to worry, but he forgot to mention it to you. I will have her dress and accessories delivered to your cabin and placed in an upstairs bedroom. I have also set up hair and makeup for her tomorrow evening as well.”
“Thank you, Bonnie. You just make so many things easier.”
“That is my job—it is also my pleasure. I will keep everyone else busy while you and the others are in your meetings.” I smiled at her and scanned the patio for Maddox, finding him near the bar speaking with Caspien.
* * *
It was just before one when I entered the room that had been outfitted just for this occasion.
It was quite large; a table was set against the wall as I entered the room.
It bore glasses and two drink dispensers; one was filled with ice water and the other looked as though it contained iced tea.
There were also coffee cups and a large coffee urn.
Sugar, cream, and fresh lemon also had a place.
Alongside the drinks were snacks; chips, nuts, cookies, and granola bars.
The room was painted a muted green color on three walls, and the fourth wall was made of windows looking out onto the garden behind the building.
The windows must have had tint on them because while it was letting the afternoon sun into the room, it was not as blinding as it should have been.
Beneath the windows ran an indoor flowerbed that was filled with beautiful and well-kept house plants that gave a feeling of freshness to the air around you.
The walls only bore a few pieces of what looked to be generic prints you would see in a doctor’s waiting room.
There was a large table in the center that dominated the space.
It was made of glass, allowing you to see whatever anyone might be trying to hide beneath the table.
The chairs were large, black, padded leather chairs that were on wheels and swiveled, allowing their occupants to turn in any direction or in a circle if they so desired.
There was a door that sat ajar against the left side of the room.
Through the open door I could see that it was an adjoining restroom.
I approached the refreshments and poured myself a glass of water and walked over to the table and removed my suit jacket, placing it over the back of the chair.
I smoothed out my knee-length black pencil skirt and pondered how much thought went into these outfits.
The skirt was high-waisted and had a silver zipper that ran up the back.
The dark purple sleeveless silk top was cool and smooth against my skin.
The whole ensemble oozed confidence and power.
The suit itself was giving me a self-esteem boost.
I sat down in the center chair. Maddox took the seat to my right.
I had no doubt he knew exactly what he was doing.
This man literally sat at my right whenever we were around other people.
The meaning was not lost on me even if it was on others.
The door to the room remained open so the others would be able to see and not have to guess if they were in the right place.
Caspien entered first followed directly by Matthew and Oscar.
“Gentlemen,” I said greeting them.
“So nice to see you again, Joslyn.” Caspien nodded in my direction.
“It’s a good day to figure shit out if you ask me.” Oscar, too, poured himself water and joined us at the table to my left.
“Good afternoon, Joslyn. Now we put your leadership ideas to the test. I hope it all works out in your favor, to be honest.” Matthew took a seat with a cup of coffee in his hand.