Page 38 of The Timeless Vigilante

“Warrior Beaufont, we will handle this,” Hester said, a diplomatic tone to her voice, like she was used to corralling Liv’s anger.

“Dwayne, we understand that you are new to your role as leader of the Rogue Riders,” Raina began in an even tone. “But I’ve been a councilor for a very long time and know the history of the House of Fourteen very well. To have someone like Gen here in the present time is a gift. She built the very foundation of this organization that still exists and rules to this day.”

Dwayne laughed coldly. “With all due respect?—”

“Which is something people say right before showing disrespect,” Liv cut in, still standing in front of the bench.

“With all due respect,” Dwayne repeated through clenched teeth. “If I put a single nail into a board, are you going to give me credit for building an entire house? I simply think that the reputation of this time traveler has been blown out of proportion. From what I’ve learned, she trespassed into the present, stole a dragon’s egg in the past and has now demanded to be given honors she doesn’t deserve.”

Gen’s eyes flickered to Liv and then Clark’s. They seemed to read the tension well in her gaze, both offering her sympathetic expressions.

“I think your wariness of Genevieve Beaufont is to be commended,” Freek said evenly. “We shouldn’t judge someone simply based on their name or a supposed history that we can’t confirm.”

Armando nodded, glaring down at Gen. “I agree with that sentiment. And this is not to say that you’re not worthy of our respect. It is only that you are untested and will have to prove your honor and deservability of privileges that all others earn through reputation.”

“I haven’t asked for anything,” Gen dared to finally speak. “I arrived here, losing my home and everything I’ve ever known. I’ve had to acclimate to a time and place very different from everything I have ever known.” Gen pointed up to the ceiling, indicating the heavens. “Do you all think that I wouldn’t rather be up there, in the Land of Chimera, judging and ruling over you than down here being treated like a common criminal?”

Clark leaned forward, offering Gen a thoughtful expression. “I know that this hasn’t been easy for you. But we all know that you belong here. And although it’s disconcerting for some to digest, having someone of your status among us, I think in time, we will see that your presence will make history in ways your absence would have never.” His gaze shot to Dwayne Stone—an accusation in his blue eyes.

“Well put,” Haro said, nodding. “Welcome to this world, Gen. There is much we hope to see from you. I expect that you and your dragon will train and go on to help the Rogue Riders. We look forward to watching your progress.”

“Gen is not ready to do anything for the Rogue Riders,” Dwayne cut in. “She is new to this world, inexperienced and untested. I would be a fool to put her out into the field this century.”

Tensing, Gen held her breath. It took everything she had not to explode right then. Thankfully, based on the expression Liv was giving her, the modern warrior was also working hard to restrain herself. Maybe the pair could hunt down Dwayne in a dark alley and teach him a lesson later.

Seraphine cleared her throat, a pursed expression on her face. “Actually, that brings us to our next order of business, Dwayne. The Rogue Riders are failing at managing the criminal world. Under your leadership, things have only gotten worse, starting with the death of the Commissioner of Los Angeles.” She leaned forward. “Do you wish to explain that?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

UNVEILING DECEPTION

Chamber of the Tree, House of Fourteen, Santa Monica, California, United States

Gen was grateful that Dwayne was at her back, or otherwise he’d see the victorious smile that sprang to her face. Now it was her turn to watch him be roasted and hopefully she’d learn some covert information. She’d heard about this Commissioner’s death from Sophia. It was a big concern for Hiker because he thought that it hinted at a huge problem and upset the arrangement that the Rogue Riders had established with Los Angeles. But Sophia had said it wasn’t her jurisdiction anymore. It was all on Dwayne Stone and hopefully he was about to get ripped a new one for it.

“Although Commissioner Peter Stevenson’s death was unfortunate,” Dwayne began in an almost amused voice. “I see this as an opportunity to take back control over the City of Los Angeles.”

“You think that the death of a civil servant who has devoted his life to the City of Los Angeles is an opportunity?” Clark questioned, disgust seeping into his tone.

“I think that under the previous leadership of the Rogue Riders, the old alliances have grown stale,” Dwayne replied tersely. “We all know that Los Angeles is a pivotal city in creating the balance with the criminal world. If we maintain control there and with other major cities, then we hold the power.”

“Yes, we are all aware that New York and Los Angeles are the major hubs of control for power in North America,” Haro stated matter-of-factly. “And our concern is that the City of Los Angeles is now in flux. Someone has murdered the highest ranking law enforcement official and that’s concerning in a city already out of control.”

“Well, I should point out that crime was out of control before I took my role,” Dwayne stated. “I believe this murder of the Los Angeles Commissioner is a result of things not being managed by Sophia Beaufont.”

Liv, who was still standing at the front, staring straight at Dwayne, growled. “Sophia had a long-standing partnership with the Commissioner that kept crime at bay. Her problem was that she couldn’t manage two full-time roles and didn’t belong in the Rogue Riders.”

“Her list of problems were long and varied, I’m learning,” Dwayne said.

“Have you determined who murdered the Commissioner?” Seraphine asked.

“I can’t say,” Dwayne answered.

Just then, Gen caught Jude’s right eye twitch. It was so slight, but she knew at once what it meant.

“He’s lying!” Gen blurted out.

“Excuse me!” Dwayne boomed, marching forward and looking down at Gen with menace. “How dare you accuse me of lying?”

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