Chapter VII
On the way back up to the Council Building, Owen called Esmeralda to tell her the news. At first she didn’t believe him. When he finally convinced her that he was telling the truth, she wanted to know how much of a damned fool a dwarf had to be to start working for an elf. After he got through that argument, which was not settled, merely shelved, he had to tell her about Jessica Church. While she was shouting in his ear, the train arrived. It was a merciful excuse to tell her that they would discuss it when he got home. As he hung up, he stole a quick glance at Church, who seemed to be ignoring him. She continued to ignore him for the remainder of the train ride.
Getting into the Council Building without an express invitation from an elf on the Council proved to be extremely difficult. They were forced to wait outside while someone went to inform Evelyn Van Deign that she had visitors. Either the messenger took his time or Mrs. Van Deign was being spiteful.
When they were finally admitted, they were both thoroughly searched. Neither of them was armed, which sped up the process, but it was a process just the same. Rupert Oleander came down to meet them. He greeted Owen cordially, looking oddly at Church as the dwarf introduced them. He didn’t comment, though, and took them to the elevators and back up to Evelyn’s extravagant office.
This time, when the councilwoman appeared, she was all business. She gave her visitors an extended visual inspection, pondered them a moment as if she was going to simply dismiss them, and finally invited them in. Rupert Oleander disappeared, melting into the surroundings like a wraith
“What can I do for you, Mr. Keefe?” she asked, moving over to the sofa and sitting herself down. She did not offer them drinks. She did not acknowledge Church at all.
Owen hesitated a minute, thrown off a bit by her formality. He was suddenly in the presence of an elf who was just like every other elf. Her earlier demeanor had not been enough to put him at ease, but this time he felt… unsafe.
“I’ve changed my mind and would like to accept your offer. I’ve already signed the retirement papers.”
For the first time, Evelyn looked over at Church. “You’re Jessica Church, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Church replied.
Evelyn looked back at Owen. “Why is she here?”
“I’ve asked her to be my partner.”
“I don’t remember offering you that option.”
Owen gritted his teeth. Church was about to say something, but he stopped her with his hand. He took his time to take a breath and compose himself before speaking. All the while, Evelyn Van Deign watched him as if he was a curious sideshow display.
“Nothing’s changed in the last couple of hours. You still want this case solved and I’m still your first choice as the person to solve it. I chose a partner because I need one. I chose this partner for her experience, her connection to this case in particular, and the fact that she will lend our agency credibility. If you don’t want to accept my decision, then our relationship is dead even before it begins and I can chalk you up, Mrs. Van Deign, as just one more hypocritical elf in a world full of them.”
He took a sour breath when he finished, understanding the boundaries that he had pushed.
“Well, Owen,” she said with a smile. “I guess I have a lot to learn about you and about dwarves on general. And, do, please, call me Evelyn.”