Page 47 of Jane's Story
“I’m not worried about that,” Charles said. “I’m sure they will clear my name soon enough.”
My mind spun with possibilities, but none of them made sense. Part of me must have taken after Aunt Penny, because her words echoed in my mind. Even with magic, the only actual way to tell if something was true was to test it out. Do an experiment.
Of course, she’d been referring to her research at the time, but the same principle still applied. “Charles, I have an idea that might help us figure this out. But it is a little risky, and we’d need police backup.”
He raised his eyebrows and looked at me curiously, but he didn’t immediately say no.
“We need to do another little test. What would you think about gathering everyone together for lunch? We might elicit a confession if we play our cards right,” I said. “Aunt Penny has a dishonesty inhibitor. It’s not the same as a truth serum because those can backfire easily. But it will stop anyone from being able to lie. I know people can remain silent, but maybe we can get them talking.”
“Are there any downsides to using a dishonesty inhibitor?” Charles asked.
“Yes. People can often figure out they were 'drugged,' which can cause aggression. Mostly though, it’s a breach of trust. Giving someone any sort of potion without their consent can permanently damage the relationship. So I guess as CEO, you have to decide if it’s worth it.”
“I don’t like it, but to protect innocent people, I think you’re right. We should do it. Are you always so brave, Jane?” Charles reached for and squeezed my hand.
“I’m not always brave.” My heart wanted to take this in as a tender moment between us, but all I could think about was Georgiana. Everyone, including me, loved Charles. But the only person I’d ever heard him mentionanything about having a possible relationship with was her.
“Well, you seem brave to me.” Charles tilted his chin, shrugged, and grinned. I could have kissed him. But I didn’t. Georgiana popped into my mind. So instead, I leaned back in my chair and pulled my hand away.
“I guess I’d better ask Aunt Penny about the dishonesty inhibitor.” I stood and left the room, tears unexpectedly welling in my eyes. The sooner this was over, the better. My heart couldn’t take much more.
Chapter 19
Thefollowingday,wereturned to the Grand Lakes Hotel. We met Detective Laurence and a few of her officers in the suite to go over our plan. Detective Laurence frowned. “I don’t know. If we put a civilian in danger, we’ll all lose our jobs.”
“Well, think of it this way. You can’t stop people from doing things without due cause. So don’t consider it putting us in danger so much as being made aware of our intentions. You don’t have to give us permission.” I shrugged and smiled.
“We’ll watch each other’s back,” Charles added. I could sense his apprehension.
Detective Laurence sighed, obviously flabbergasted. “I can’t stop you from going about your lives. But know we can’t promise protection, either. If you don’t listen to reason, your safety is in your own hands.”
“Fair enough,” I said. “But as a heads up, we’re starting now.”
Detective Laurence’s eyes widened. “Now?”
Charles had booked a conference room and serving staff for a lunch party of eight to ten people. He’d asked Darcy, Owen, Lance, Catalina, Ashley, and a few other people to meet us down in the open conference room for a team meeting, saying that he had some concerns and wanted to get together to discuss a plan of action. Believable—in my opinion.
Charles and I were the first of the party to arrive. Servers busily set up a large round table, arranging place settings and carafes of water. In each carafe, I discreetly added a few drops of the colorless, tasteless dishonesty inhibitor, except for the one directly in front of Charles and me.
“Now we see who bites,” Charles said as he pulled out my chair, then sat beside me.
Lance arrived first, well-groomed and collected in a casual suit and slicked back hair. Despite his physically collected appearance I could sense several emotions in his countenance. He was angry, worried, and a bit sad. “It looks like things are circling the drain, Charles. I’m worried.”
“We’re all worried.” Charles gestured for Lance to take a seat. “I haven’t given up hope to that point, though. This is something we’re going to recover from.”
“I’ve got to hand it to you for your optimism,” Lance said, taking seat and pulling in his chair.
Ashley arrived shortly after Lance, looking somewhat bewildered. I sensed similar emotions to Lance's surrounding her, but her anger was heightened. “Not sure what’s going on,” she huffed and dropped her handbag on the table. “This week has been too much.”
“Agreed, it’s been far too much,” said Charles. “What’s your greatest concern?”
“Armond, Margery, and Kyle are dead. I’m about ready to turn in my resignation. No job is worth this kind of stress.” Ashley sat fidgeting with her necklace.
Charles nodded. “I get it, Ashley. I promise we’re all worried.”
Owen and Catalina entered the room next. Both looked wide-eyed and wary. Owen pulled out a chair for Catalina, then turned to Charles. “Thanks for arranging this, Charles. I guess we’d better figure out what we’re all going to do going forward as a company. Is that why youcalled us here?”
Owen seemed like the same casual guy as before, but I picked up on a new negative undertone. He was deeply unhappy. Understandable. I’d long decided against using my fae ability to judge anyone. Feelings were so abstract and fleeting. Someone might come in feeling guilty because they forgot to unplug their hairdryer, while another person could be peaceful because they think they got away with murder.
