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“As to your first question,” he said, “yes. I know who they are. The second question is a bit trickier.” I sighed.

Why can’t it ever just be easy? “She’s been taken by Cardinals.

They’re overseers of Universal Law, including physics, metaphysics, fate, fortune, etc.

, etc.” I looked at Keir to see if he knew something about them.

He shook his head. “As to why they’d want Esmerelda, I really can’t guess.

Honestly, I’ve never heard of them interfering in our business in this way. ”

“Interfering?” I asked.

“Interrupting might be a better word. They work behind the scenes, as it were. It’s unusual for even magic kind to know of their existence, although there are various references in myth and legend. Interrupting the life of a person is simply unheard of.”

“Given her interest in such things, I’m sure Evie will be jealous when she finds out we’ve rubbed up against a cosmic mystery.

But I think we need to approach this practically.

We care less about why they took her than about her return.

And, of course, we’ll be wanting them to leave her alone in the future. ”

“Aye!” Kagan interjected with an outburst. “We want her back AND we want them to leave her alone!”

We all turned to stare at him for a couple of seconds. Mostly for the sake of being polite. After giving him time to continue if there was more, I turned back to Max. Or, um, Counselor Pteron.

“Go on,” I encouraged.

“I’ve been giving this some thought on the way here. Though she’d have to get a special dispensation from the Bureau, I believe Esmerelda has grounds to bring a lawsuit.”

“Please tell me that’s not the fastest option,” I said, “Because I’m in a position to know how long a lawsuit takes, even if it’s added onto the Yule Court docket. We’d like to get her back, um, now.”

Max nodded. “The thing is…”

“Yes?”

“The thing is that the Cardinals occupy a dimension that doesn’t conform to the normal parameters of space and time. Even if you got a green light for a recovery mission, you’re not physically suited to survive. There.”

The question that begged was obvious. “Then how is Esme surviving? There,” I asked.

“That is the most perplexing thing about this case,” he said.

“What are our options then?” I asked.

“First. Lawsuit. But as you point out, that’s not an immediate solution.”

“Next?”

He sighed. “I can get an emergency hearing at the Bureau and ask for access and a way to equip a rescue team for survival. If there is such a thing. If not, that leaves lawsuit, I’m afraid.

And that presents another wrinkle. I’m not positive the Cardinals are subject to the Bureau’s authority.

They’re thought to be their own law. Over everything. Aside from everything.”

“I think you just wandered into abstract territory,” I said.

“Sorry. I mean to say we need them. Depend on them. Without them, there would be…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but I got the message. Apocalypse. Armageddon. Dystopia. Worse?

“If Cardinals aren’t subject to the Bureau’s authority, does that mean they’re also not subject to my court’s authority?” I asked.

“I don’t know because everything about this is previously untested.

But it might be the case. They’re the true royalty of magic kind.

Even if we are cleared to bring a proceeding, there might be no way to enforce your ruling should they choose not to comply.

Basically, they would have to volunteer to submit to your judgment. ”

Keir leaned into Kagan. “So much for Esme thinking she’s not good enough for you.”

That probably wasn’t intended for my ears. So, I went on as if nothing had been said. “Forgive me for saying so, but my experience since being appointed to the bench is that magic kind aren’t familiar with making choices by any recognizable code of ethics. Or even basic morality.”

“I’ll need to be forgiven with you,” Max said. “Because my experience mirrors yours.”

After allowing myself an indulgent sigh, I said, “Well, I trust you to get the best deal you can get.”

“I DON’T TRUST HIM!” Kagan let fly with another outburst loud enough to shake the old stacks of the vampire’s manor house.

“Kagan…” I began.

“No!” he said, shaking his head vigorously before pointing at Max. “I’ll go with him.”

“Kagan,” I began, hoping to get my brother-in-law’s full attention.

“Max, I mean… Oh twist! For the time being, I’m granting myself a pass on calling this lawyer, Max.

” I joined Kagan in pointing at Counselor Pteron, “It’s been a very stress-filled night, and we might just be getting started.

So, do over. Kagan, Max is recognized by the Bureau of Behavioral Oversight and trusted by the Powers to be lead counsel.

He’s our best shot at finding Esme quickly and getting her back here.

You , on the other hand, are not at your best right now.

Case in point, check out the bite marks on my husband’s leg.

” He drew back like I’d tazed him. “I’m not trying to be mean, but you’re way out of bounds and easily angered.

In short, you’re the very last person we’d want to send on a mission that might depend on diplomacy.

If we need somebody to bite legs, we’ll call you. Promise.”

“She’s right, brother,” Keir said softly. “I trust Max. Can you trust me on this?”

Kagan stared at Keir for an uncomfortable time before saying, “Goes without sayin’.” He hung his head and leaned toward Keir to say, “I want to go find her. I can no’ stand no’ knowin’ if she’s alright.”

“I know,” Keir answered. “Max, I’m taking my wife and brother home. Find us there when you have word.”

“I don’t suppose we’ll hear anything given that it’s the middle of the night,” I said.

The corners of Max’s lips threatened to pull into his familiar look of smugness. “Actually,” he began, “the Bureau directors don’t observe workaday conventions.”

“Meaning?” I asked.

“They don’t sleep.”

“Well, you should know,” I quipped, referring to Max’s alter ego, The Sandman.

That did get me a small smile. Good old Max could always be counted on to get my jokes. He could’ve disappeared on the spot, but chose to leave as he’d come. Through the front door. I, for one, appreciated his style choice, although I was pretty sure the others didn’t care.

“In that case,” Diarmuid said, “I may as well go home. Let me know when there’s a thing for me to do or a favor to call in.”

“We will. And thanks for your help, Diarmuid,” I said.

“Rita, go on home with Romeo. I’ll be there shortly with Kagan.” Keir leaned close enough to whisper in my ear. “I don’t want to leave him on his own.”

I nodded and turned to John David. “Best laid plans and all.”

“You owe me the whole story,” the vampire told me.

“For sure. It’s yours. Soon. I’m sorry your beautiful party turned out this way,” I said. “But it will definitely be memorable.”

John David managed one of his smiles that showed me too-sharp canines. Yikes .

“Romeo.”

“Yes, madam.”

“I’m really tired. If I go to sleep, wake me when we’re home so I can move to the bed.”

“Yes, madam.”

The dark countryside sped past like a blur in Romeo’s headlights. I was asleep in minutes.