Page 45 of The Pacifist
Jonah
Leaving the restricted part of the archive, I passed a few familiar faces on my way out of the public service building. Several pretended not to see me, while others gave discreet shakes of their heads.
“Jonah, wait up.”
Councilwoman Sheana Rene caught up with me, her large brown eyes and tanned skin made a beautiful contrast to the white coat she was wearing. “May peace surround you.”
I kept walking but gave her a polite smile. “Thank you, same to you.”
Sheana Rene was someone I respected and admired. She was one of the most fair and reasonable people on the council and her two daughters, Shelly and Rochelle, had taken part in the first experimental school in the Northlands. Shelly had even gone on to marry an Nman called Marco.
“What brings you to Old York?” I asked her.
“Research, but I heard what happened. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Of course you’re not fine. Your future on the Council is in jeopardy and your family is under attack. I have to ask you, Jonah, did you have anything to do with this side business that your family is accused of running?”
I brushed her off. “No, I had nothing to do with it.”
With a hand to my arm, Sheana Rene stopped me and looked deep into my eyes. “But did you know about it?”
I was trapped. It had been two days since the storage building burned down and so far, I’d avoided all interviews and direct questions. Hunter and Cole had taken the entire blame, but I was a Councilman, chosen as a child for my strong integrity and selflessness. There was no way I could lie to my colleague, and she was too smart to fall for any attempt at not answering. As if my jaws had a mind of their own and were trying to prevent me from destroying my future, they tensed up, making it hard to speak.
“Yes, I did know about it.”
Sheana Rene’s eyes widened in shock and then sadness followed. “And you just looked the other way?”
“Yes.”
“But you’re a Council member. We’re role models of good and honorable behavior. How could you?”
“I didn’t see any harm in what they were doing. It was a small circle of friends and I believe in a higher level of personal freedom. You know that.”
“Yes, but Jonah, this is serious.” Her voice dropped into a whisper and she leaned closer. “Please tell me that you didn’t drink alcohol yourself?”
I pressed my lips together. My silence all the answer she needed.
Closing her beautiful eyes for a second, she drew in a deep breath before locking eyes with me. “I was going to defend you but now…” She shook her head. “And to think that I rooted for you during the election.”
It hurt to see her disappointment, and my spirits were low when we parted ways. Soon I’d have to face the entire Council and there was a real chance I’d be forced to leave my seat. I was walking to my apartment with heavy thoughts when Cole called me up.
“How are you hanging in there?”
“Things aren’t looking too good right now. I just spoke to a colleague who used to be a supporter. She’s not any longer.”
My brother gave a pained sigh. “Sorry to hear that.”
“And you? Did you get called in for questioning yet?”
“The request came this morning. They want me to come in for a meeting later this week to explain my side of the story.”
“Pack a bag. They’ll transfer you to a place of reflection. You know that, right?”
“I’m aware, but listen, Jonah, I’m calling you because the report came from the fire marshal. They determined the cause of the fire to be arson.”
My steps slowed down. “Arson. You’re sure?”
