Page 12 of Fetch Me A Mate
The words hit like a slap, polite on the surface but cutting underneath. Diana felt her empathic gift stir, picking up currents of condescension and something sharper. Disapproval, maybe. Or testing.
"Where exactly should I be looking to learn about shifter customs?" Diana asked, keeping her voice level. "I'd hate to offend anyone through ignorance."
Finch blinked, clearly not expecting the direct response. "Well. I suppose the Council library has appropriate materials. Though most humans find the subject matter... challenging."
"I'll manage." Diana moved behind the reception desk, claiming the space as her own. "Is there something specific about the renovation that concerns you?"
"The timeline, primarily." Finch consulted his clipboard again. "The Council expects a certain standard of efficiency. We can't have the town's primary hospitality venue indefinitely disrupted."
Diana pulled out her own notebook, the one where she'd been sketching room layouts and tracking Rowan's progress. "We're ahead of schedule on the structural work. The north wall should be secure by tomorrow, and then we move to the stairs."
"And you're confident in Mr. Baneville's assessment of the work required?"
"Completely. He knows the building better than anyone except Miriam herself."
Finch made another note. "I see you're... closely involved in the day-to-day work."
There was something loaded in the way he said it, like close involvement was somehow inappropriate. Diana's jaw tightened.
"I'm learning how the inn functions so I can maintain it properly," she said. "That seems like responsible ownership to me."
"Of course." Finch's smile was thin. "Though I do hope you're not interfering with the contractor's ability to work efficiently."
From outside came the sharp crack of another board being removed. Diana glanced toward the window, catching a glimpse of Rowan examining the exposed wall frame.
"He hasn't complained," she said dryly.
"Naturally. Mr. Baneville is... accommodating." Finch closed his clipboard with a snap. "I'll need to inspect the work areas before I file my report."
"Be my guest. Though you might want to ask Rowan before you get too close. He's particular about safety protocols."
Finch's eyebrows rose slightly. "I hardly need a contractor's permission to conduct official Council business."
"No, but you need his expertise to avoid getting hurt." Diana smiled sweetly. "Old buildings can be unpredictable."
The aide studied her for a moment, clearly trying to decide if she was being deliberately difficult or genuinely helpful. Diana maintained her pleasant expression and waited.
"Very well," Finch said finally. "I'll conduct my inspection and submit the preliminary report this afternoon."
He moved toward the stairs, pausing to examine the work area where Rowan had replaced the third tread. Diana watched him test the new board with his foot, making notes about the quality of the repair.
"The work appears adequate," he said, like he was disappointed not to find fault.
"Rowan's very thorough."
"Indeed." Finch descended the stairs and headed for the front door. "I'll return next week to assess progress. Please ensure all permits and documentation are readily available."
"Of course."
He paused in the doorway. "Ms. Merrick, might I suggest you consider hosting some sort of community event? The Council appreciates gestures of goodwill from new business owners."
Diana felt a spark of inspiration. "Actually, I've been thinking about that. What would you say to an Autumn Hearth Gathering? Nothing fancy, just an evening of shared stories and food by the fireplace."
Finch's expression shifted, surprise replacing condescension. "That's... actually quite appropriate. The town enjoys its traditions."
"Then I'll plan something for next week. Give people a chance to see the progress we're making and meet me properly."
"Excellent. I'll note that in my report." For the first time since he'd arrived, Finch looked genuinely pleased. "The Council values community engagement."
