Page 28 of Their Property
“Yeah,” T-Bone sighed, rubbing his eyes. “So, what? We just keep doing nothing? Business as usual?”
Dyno lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I think that’s all we can do.”
“This is going to be alongfucking month.”
I sighed and lazily scrawled out the summation of our collective thoughts.
We are so fucked.
NINE
KYRIE
“I’m sorry, Mr. Chairman, but I disagree with these points.” I underlined several bullet points of the proposal laid out in front of me. “I think Sevier would benefit more by having a family planning clinic in the inner neighborhoods than a stronger military presence. The people in the poorer areas need access to those services more than those in wealthier areas. And a clinic would attract professionals like doctors and nurses to the territory, as long as the wages were competitive. In Four Corners, we—”
The Chairman of the Budget Committee took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. “Miss Vance—”
“Ambassador Vance,” I corrected.
“Miss Ambassador, the budget allocations have already been approved by the committee. You are welcome to submit your suggestions for next quarter’s budget.”
I blinked at him from across the table. “But Ambassador Heim was able to submit his proposal this morning. Is there a deadline that I wasn’t aware of?”
“Well, not exactly. But we generally finalize the budget on the afternoon of the quarterly meeting. Everything runs smoother that way, and we can move on to other business.”
“I understand butrunning smoothermeans a good chunk of your citizens are going without essential needs, like food and medical care.” I tapped my finger on the bullet-pointed list in front of me. “I poured over this entire budget during my lunch hour, Mr. Chairman, and it’s concerning to me how unbalanced it is.”
“Unbalanced?” another committee member scoffed. “Young lady, how many budget proposals for an entire territory have you seen in your lifetime?”
“About a dozen, give or take a few,” I answered. “I sat in on a few of my father’s cabinet meetings. You’re all aware, I’m sure, of Four Corners’ military prowess. Defending a territoryisimportant, I’m not denying that. But investing in your citizens is just as, if not more, important than a strong military.”
“Something you don’t understand, Miss,” another man leaned forward, lip curling distastefully at me, “is that Four Corners has had time to establish itself. Wejustwon this territory back last year after devastating losses. Other territories still have eyes on us and may be planning to topple us as we speak. So I object to you, young lady, coming in here and trying to change everything when you don’t know what you’re talking about!”
The man grew louder, his gesticulations almost aggressive as he spoke, to the point that my bodyguards moved in closer to surround me. My cheeks flamed, the embarrassment flooding me at being chastised like a child. No one, not a single person, spoke up in my defense. Everyone was either staring down at their documents or openly watching me and the older gentleman who spoke. I didn’t remember his name but knew he was a senior member of the governor’s cabinet. Even so, was no one going to back me up?
“Sir.” I swallowed down the lump in my throat and folded my hands on the table. “I was invited to this committee meeting based on my knowledge of Four Corners’ government spending. I’m open to discourse, but I assure you Idoknow what I’m talking about. I only want to help—”
“Four Corners doesn’t need to meddle in our affairs,” the man hissed. “You don’t see us interfering in your father’s business, do you?”
“He’s hosting three representatives from Sevier currently,” I said. “I’m sure they’re involved in many meetings and discussions. This is all I’m trying to do, sir. Open a dialogue and share with you what has worked in our territory.”
“I’m sure you could share plenty of what goes on in Four Corners.” It could have been my imagination, but I swore his gaze slid disapprovingly over my bodyguards. “But I believe the quarterly budget should be left up to the officials of Sevier only.”
Again, no one spoke up in my defense. Not even Ambassador Heim, who was a new appointee himself and had invited me to this meeting. He was currently looking very busy shuffling papers around in front of him. The only sound was a soft murmuring of voices agreeing with the cranky old man who argued with me.
Don’t cry. Don’t look sad. Don’t look defeated. Don’t be weak. You’ll just be proving them right.
I forced a smile past my erratic pulse and flustered nerves as I gathered up my documents. “Well then,” I said with false cheer, head high. “If my presence isn’t needed at this meeting, I’ll take my leave. Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
I left as quickly as I could, while trying to not look like I was. My mind was so frazzled, I barely took notice of Anita hurrying to stay next to me and the Sons falling in line behind me.
“You can go, Anita,” I said, my voice tight. “I don’t have anything else today, right?”
“Um, no, Ambassador. But are you sure?”
“Yes.” I turned to her, forcing another smile. “Take the rest of the day off. We’ll catch up tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, okay! Don’t hesitate to send for me if you need anything.”
