Chapter Thirty-Four #2
“It was a matter of life and death,” Scarlett said, trying not to let her annoyance shine through at being asked—for the second time—to go through the exact sequence of events. “My husband used his abilities to save us. To save me. Given my father’s recent death—”
“Your father’s killers are free due to this chamber’s refusal to pursue justice in the north,” bellowed Lady Ashworth from her seat. “It’s hardly an excuse for illegal, violent behavior in Soleil. Three Soleil citizens are in intensive care due to Brayden Maddox’s actions, and—”
Scarlett gripped the sides of the podium in front of her so hard her hands hurt, but her voice was clear and level.
“Yes, they’re in intensive care because they attacked us.
We know from the report in the Times this morning that those men work as mercenaries for hire.
I don’t understand why you’re victim-blaming instead of questioning who hired them. ”
“Because it seems I care more about avenging your father’s death than you do, Lady Heroux,” spat Lady Ashworth.
Scarlett’s eyebrows shot up. Moira’s venom was getting overt enough that it reminded her of their encounter at her father’s funeral.
“Out of order,” bellowed Lord Buckland. He was officially Scarlett’s favorite Goldenrod ever since he’d tried to help at the theater, and he’d been reinforcing her opinion all through the questioning. It bolstered Scarlett that not all of Moira’s party were behind her.
“That’s quite out of order,” agreed Elestine as she stood from her seat. “If the discussion is back to Lord Heroux and Sigur Vieur, we’re clearly done discussing the National Theater. I motion to disband the discussion.”
“I’m not finished.” Moira’s loud voice echoed across the chamber.
“I second the motion,” said Lord Garfield. “Thank you, Lady Heroux, for your multiple rounds of testimony.”
“All those in favor of disbanding?” Scarlett called to the chamber.
The “ayes” were clearly in the majority.
“We are adjourned,” said Scarlett.
As she made for the exit, Elestine and Lord Bombardier filed out next to her.
“Well done,” said Lord Bombardier with a wink.
“Thanks.” Scarlett smiled weakly as a wave of exhaustion came over her. They weren’t out of the woods yet, but she’d managed to keep Moira from turning sentiment against Brayden. For now that would have to be enough.
Back in her office, Scarlett was at her desk trying to force down a cucumber sandwich she’d grabbed from the dining hall when a knock sounded at her door.
“Come in,” she called.
Elestine entered and closed the door behind her before approaching Scarlett and Cass. “I’m here to firm up the timeline for tonight. Cass, are you all set?”
“I am, but we should discuss where Scarlett and Beni will be while I’m working.
I don’t like the idea of leaving them home alone with nothing but a security system to look after them.
” Cass had already warned Scarlett that Tyler was no good in a fight and that she wasn’t comfortable leaving Scarlett alone with him during the break-in.
“What about this,” said Elestine. “Scarlett, you and Beni could come to my home for the evening. We have in-home security, gates, and surveillance. Anyone coming after you wouldn’t think to look there.”
Cass’s gaze met Scarlett’s, and her expression said, Don’t fucking do that.
Agreed, thought Scarlett. Then something occurred to her.
There was nothing stopping her from going along to the headquarters.
Instead of twiddling her thumbs at some second location, she could be there, with Cass.
Maybe she’d even be useful. If there was even a chance she could help bring down Moira and Laylani and free Brayden, there was no question she’d take the risk.
Scarlett looked at Cass. “I’m coming with you tonight.”
“What?” gasped Elestine. “That’s too great of a risk, Scarlett.”
“So it’s okay for me to ask Cass to take risks but not okay to join her?
” asked Scarlett, unwilling to give in. “I might know something that could help. I’m not military-trained, but they’re breaking into a lord’s house.
I could help distract the staff, or I can talk to Tyler while you’re busy, Cass. ”
Cass’s expression was contemplative. “I could use you for that. It would free me up to oversee.”
Elestine sputtered, “That’s—that’s not what I meant. What if you’re recognized? Everyone knows your face.”
“I imagine the entire team will be wearing balaclavas or similar.”
“Masks on the lot of us,” said Cass.
“Would I be a liability to you?” Scarlett asked.
Cass shrugged. “A bit. It’s a shame we don’t have time to train you up.”
Scarlett looked down at the floor. “Yes, that’s a shame.” Then she looked up at Cass and smiled. “You did say you felt guilty about the National Theater. If you take me with you, we’d be more than even.”
Cass smirked. “You don’t have to beg. If you want to come, boss, then come.”
“That settles it,” said Scarlett. “I’m coming.”
Elestine looked aghast. “At least let Beni stay with us.”
Scarlett gave her a grateful look. “That’d be great. Thanks. Cass, will Tyler be okay in our house? Charlie will be there too, so he won’t be alone.”
“Oh, for sure,” said Cass. “He’ll be online like any other night.” She locked gazes with Scarlett, probably thinking of the incriminating money trail Tyler was still searching for. “I’ll ask him to stay available in case we need any tech support.”
“All right, then. Elestine, thanks again for offering to host. I think we’re all set.”
Elestine’s features were tight. “Of course, dear. It’s the least I can do when you’re taking such a risk.”
Scarlett stood, and Cass and Elestine stood with her.
“I’m leaving early to try to visit Brayden,” said Scarlett.
“I called the police yesterday, and again today, and they refused to let me speak to him. Isn’t that unusual?
He’s only been allowed to see our lawyer.
” The lack of contact with him was eating away at her.
She’d been catastrophizing, imagining him regretting the day he set foot in Soleil.
At least she hoped she was catastrophizing.
Elestine winced. “I’m afraid I don’t know what’s typical in a case like this. Do you want me to call them?”
Some of the tension in Scarlett’s shoulders eased. “I’d appreciate it. I don’t want him to think I’ve abandoned him.”
Elestine came close enough to put her hand on Scarlett’s shoulder. “I’m sure he doesn’t think that. He’s lucky to have you, Scarlett.”
The kindness of her comment took Scarlett by surprise, but she shouldn’t have been surprised at all. Elestine was so many things: wife, mother, prime minister, and someone who’d known her for years.
“That’s very kind. I’m lucky to have him too,” said Scarlett.
Elestine gave her a small smile. “Wait here. I’ll step outside to call the police.”
A short while later she was back, setting her phone in front of Scarlett.
“I spoke to the chief of the precinct, and he’s got an officer waiting to patch you through to Brayden.
He apologized for the lack of flexibility and said as long as you’re comfortable with an officer listening in on Brayden’s end, they’ll let you speak to him. ”
“Thank you so much.” Scarlett rose and squeezed her tightly. Being able to speak to Brayden meant everything to her.
“Let’s grab a coffee, eh, Cass?” asked Elestine once Scarlett had released her.
Scarlett picked up the phone with shaking hands as Cass and Elestine filed out of her office. “This is Lady Scarlett Heroux. I understand the call will be listened to. Can I speak to my husband?”
“Here he is, Lady Heroux,” said the officer.
“Scarlett?” Brayden asked, sounding surprised.
Tears sprung into her eyes at the sound of his voice. “Brayden. Yes, it’s me. I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you. I’ve been asking, but it took Elestine’s help to get this phone call. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I mean, it’s jail, so it obviously sucks, but I’m fine. I know you’d be here if you could. It’s so good to hear your voice. Is Cass with you? I’ve been worried sick.”
He sounded so calm, like this wasn’t the first time they’d spoken in days. To be fair, he was probably highly aware of the officer listening in. Hearing his voice was both a comfort and a torture, the way it made her miss him so badly. She hadn’t thought she could miss him more.
Scarlett tried her best to sound as calm as he did even as a tempest of emotions rushed through her. “Cass stepped out for a moment, but she’s in the building, yes. She’s been with me constantly since your arrest.”
He sighed. “That’s a relief. Did you talk to my dad?”
“Yes. He’s waiting for more news from the lawyer. We all are.”
“Good,” said Brayden. “I saw the lawyer earlier. He seems competent.”
“Good.” She bit her lip, deciding in a split second to let everything out regardless of the cop listening in.
“Brayden, I love you,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“I’ve been thinking about you constantly.
I can’t sleep because I’m worried about you, wondering if you’re cold or sad…
” She trailed off, taking a gasping breath.
“Sweetheart, I know you do. I love you too.”
There it was—the way he spoke only to her. She was relieved to hear the warmth in his voice. “I’m sorry I’ve caused so much trouble for you.”
“Don’t apologize. I came here to defend you. I’ve missed you so fucking much.” His voice was low and full of longing.
Her breathing became shallow as she thought back to the night he got arrested and how she’d wanted to spend it. “I wish we’d stayed home that night. I was so excited to be alone with you when we got back, to sleep in the same bed—”
“Excuse me,” interjected the officer on the line. “Just a reminder, this is a recorded call. Please cease the bedroom talk.”
“Of course, Officer,” Scarlett said, panicking. “Apologies. Please don’t end the call.”
“Go ahead, then,” the officer said after a moment.
“How’s work?” Brayden asked.
“There have been some positive developments.” Her mind raced as she tried to think of ways to tell him what was happening so that only he would understand.
“Oh?”
“Our biggest priorities are getting a lot of attention,” said Scarlett, wishing she could tell him everything.
“Hmm,” said Brayden. “That sounds positive.”
What would he say if he knew what I’d planned?
“He’d be happy you’re not going to stay at Alastair’s house,” said Nori.
Scarlett snorted. True, but what would he think about everything else?
“Just promise me you’ll stay with Cass,” said Brayden. “If I lose you while I’m stuck here…”
Scarlett’s heart pounded. “I’m going to work with her tonight, actually. She got a one-time gig she didn’t want to turn down. It should be fun.” She sounded awkward and she knew it, but she wanted to give him as much of the truth as she could.
He was silent for several seconds. “That sounds interesting. And Beni?”
“He’ll be with Elestine.”
He let out a loud sigh. “I see.”
Scarlett sighed in frustration. She was probably giving him enough information to make him worry more. “With Elestine’s security, her home is probably the safest place in the city while Cass is working. Alastair isn’t involved at all.”
“Sure,” he said. “As long as you’re both safe.” He sounded distant and calm again, and she hated it even though she understood.
“Pardon me,” said the officer. “Your time is up. Please wrap up the call.”
“Thanks,” said Brayden brusquely. “Be careful, Scarlett.”
“I’ll call again first thing in the morning,” she said. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended with a click.