Page 74 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“Blanches,” I repeated. “Is your client a relative of the queen, Counsellor?”

“Ah. Yes. A distant relative.”

“Very well. Go on.”

“The case is simple, Your Honor. My clients object to the unsavory element introduced into their community by the presence of Cinder House.”

“I see. And what remedy are you requesting?”

“We’d like them to move the facility,” he said.

“Where?”

“Where?” he repeated, obviously unprepared for that question.

“Yes. Where are you thinking they’ll go?”

“Ah.” He glanced at his client who had nothing to add. “Somewhere else?”

“Uh-huh. Alright. Setting that aside for now, would you be more specific about what constitutes an unsavory element?”

“Well, you know…”

“No. I don’t.” I heard Keir stifle a snort.

“The kinds of people who come to Cinder House are…”

“Are what?”

“You know.” He paused hoping for a flash of brilliance. “Not us.”

“Alright. Your claim for displacement is based on the notion that inhabitants of Cinder House are not you.”

“That’s right.”

“Just to be very clear, you’re saying that people who move into your neighborhood are unsavory by virtue of the fact that they are not you.”

“Yes.”

I took in a deep breath and looked at Lochlan who shrugged as if to say it takes all kinds.

“If you have nothing further to add, I’ll hear from the defense.”

“I have nothing further, Your Honor, “Braes said and sat.

Blythe Merriwether was on her feet by the time I looked in her direction.

“Blythe Merriwether, Your Honor, representing Cinder House.”

I couldn’t help a smile. “And the person sitting next to you is…”

“Her Majesty Queen Cinder-Ashcroft Charming, also known as Cinderella.”

“Quite a mouthful.”

Blythe seemed not to know how to respond to that so she simply said, “Yes.”

“Before the defense begins, I’d like a quick word with your client.”