Page 32 of The Lost Empress

“It is,” he agreed. “But we still were paying close attention since the behaviors of mortals was shifting. That’s when we observed that the new Chief of Police did personality tests on all the police officers in the various Los Angeles squads.”

“All of them?” Liv asked, literally perched on the edge of her seat.

“All of them,” Mortimer answered.

Liv glanced up at Gen, like she might not be listening. “All of them.”

“Got it,” Gen replied with a smile. “But what did that bring about?”

“Good thing you asked, because it did create a wave of change,” Mortimer answered. “You see, all that fell into the bottom section, meaning they were shady in their moral composition and not someone who Brownies would tend to at night, were promoted…”

“Did you say, promoted?” Liv questioned.

He nodded. “I said, promoted.”

“Okay, then what?” Liv urged, vibrating with tension.

“Well, about half of the police force fell into the middle,” Mortimer said, consulting the paperwork again. “And they’ve since been put into patrols in the north end of the county.”

Liv and Gen’s gazes connected, both remembering what they’d learned about this from the council meeting at the House of Fourteen.

“And by middle, you mean?” Gen questioned the Brownie.

“I mean, they are neither really good or bad,” Mortimer answered. “They are sort of in the gray area of making good decisions.”

“Okay, well, that’s strange,” Liv muttered. “And what about those who tested as having high moral integrity? What happened to them?”

“Oh, they were fired,” Mortimer answered.

“Fired?” Gen questioned at once, shocked. “Why? On what grounds?”

“None,” Mortimer replied. “They were simply let go with no explanation. But don’t worry because the Brownies have been taking care of their houses really well, so they don’t have to worry about menial chores. However, the confusion as to why they wake up with their laundry and dishes done does confound most of them, but we still serve them without exception.”

“You are true heroes,” Liv gushed, turning her attention to Gen. “So what do you think? What’s going on?”

“Something incredibly sketchy,” Gen said, chewing on her lip, trying to work it out. “This definitely explains why the city is in such turmoil and something bigger has to be happening below the surface at the root of the cause.”

“I agree,” Liv stated. “Now what are we going to do about it? Maybe go confront the Commissioner or take the Chief of Police hostage? I’ve got the next hour off so I’m free labor, ready to help you.”

Gen thought about her options and finally shook her head reluctantly. “No, I’m on probation with my boss. If he catches me causing problems, then I’ll probably get kicked off the Rogue Riders.”

“Then what are you going to do when you know there’s corruption going on inside the network of law enforcement in Los Angeles?” Liv asked.

She thought about what Hiker had told her, about following her instinct, about finding clues and then about all the moral philosophy she’d learned. Gen needed to do that which didn’t get her in trouble and that which helped the most people. Something hit her hard and with a force that took hold.

Leaning forward, she slapped Mortimer’s desk with enthusiasm. “I got it.”

The little Brownie jumped, but still smiled, giving Liv a wide grin. “She’s feisty.”

“She’s the best,” Liv agreed.

“Oh, I know,” he stated. “I’ve always liked Gen Beaufont, Founder and first warrior for the House of Fourteen and now Rogue Rider.”

Gen didn’t know what to make of this little guy who apparently knew all about her and everyone else, but it just reminded her not to discount anyone. She loved that Liv was using and sharing such smart resources with her.

“My idea is that we re-recruit the good police officers who have been fired,” Gen stated, looking between Liv and Mortimer.

They blinked at her in confusion. Finally, the Brownie said, “And for what?”

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