Page 84 of Rhett

He crossed his arms, glowering at the audience that included five council members, Freya, Isabella, and the two perpetual troublemakers—Gertrude and Shane.

“This is not who we are,” Quinn pointed out. “For Pete’s sake, a couple of hours ago, we just had a damn festival about unity and peace. Now there’s rioting outside the police station?”

“We are united.” Gertrude stood and primly adjusted her pearls. “United with the townsfolk against that damn Hunter.”

The crowd cheered.

“We who?” Freya asked. “The town council? Because all I see sitting next to you is Shane. Two members of the council does not equate to ‘we.’ I’m a member of the council, and I’m not in agreement with any of your fuckery.”

Shane stood, clearing his throat. “About that… Quinn, it’s highly irregular for you to call a meeting without alerting the entire council to take part in such proceedings.”

“Exactly.” Gertrude nodded like a bobblehead. “Others law specifically states that any resident who commits a crime must stand before the council for judgment.”

“Nova is not a resident,” Isabella pointed out.

“She’s a Hunter!” Josie shouted. “Who murdered one of our own, Henry.”

“Did you people even read my group text to the town?” Quinn demanded. “I laid out the facts. Sam killed Henry.”

“Then why was her pendant found in his hand?” Gertrude countered.

The crowd clapped and nodded in agreement.

Bonnie stood, glaring daggers at Gertrude. “Sam set Nova up for the fall, and we’re going to prove it.”

Gertrude sniffed. “Of course you’d say that. She’s your kin.”

“Why would Sam set up Nova?” Shane countered. “He doesn’t even know the Hunter.”

I’d had enough of this posturing bullshit. “Sam doesn’t need a reason,” I barked. “If you’re going to ask that fool-ass question, why don’t you ask why he killed Dean and his kin?”

Chester the Weasel shouted, “I think the sheriff needs to excuse himself from these proceedings, given the fact that according to rumors, he has an eye for that Hunter.”

“Shut up.” Piper slapped him across the back of his head.

“Ouch!” Chester complained, rubbing his head. “I have a right to speak my mind.”

“You have the right to shut the hell up,” Bonnie replied.

“Or I’ll shut you up,” June added.

“First,” I started, “she’s not a Hunter. Second, me having an eye for Nova doesn’t have shit to do with anything.” I tightened my fists. “I’m fair across the board. I put her in jail just like I’d do with anyone else.”

Josie stood. “So you admit to being sweet on the Hunter.”

“Nova is mine,” I said simply.

Josie’s mouth opened, then shut, as if she couldn’t believe what she heard.

Some of the attendees gasped with wide eyes as if my announcement were sacrilegious and I needed to be doused with holy water before getting staked through the heart.

“Well, if that’s the case, I agree with Chester,” Gertrude chimed in. “You need to remove yourself from these proceedings.”

“I agree,” Shane added.

Isabella eyed Shane. “Well, that’s a surprise,” she commented sarcastically.

“Let’s be perfectly clear,” Quinn boomed out. “No one in this damn room or town has the authority to say who stays or who goes in the Ridge except me.” He eyed Gertrude and Shane. “I own this fucking town, and you’re living here because my family and I granted you permission. My consent can be revoked at any time.”