Page 80 of Hart's Redemption

“I call Lycan Detective Director Angela Starling to the stand.”

Josh

A morbid sense of excitement brightened the otherwise dreary proceedings as Director Starling emerged from the crowd to take a seat in the witness chair. In her prim bun and crisp navy suit, Director Starling looked the farthest thing from intimidating. Underestimating Angela Starling, however, had been many a lycan’s last mistake.

“Director Starling, were you aware that Detective Hart was in the habit of murdering innocent lycanthropes?”

Lombardi surged to his feet. “Objection. Incendiary language.”

Senator Stevens held up a hand in acknowledgment. “Sustained. Councilor Hightower, please rephrase your question.”

Hightower shot Lombardi a withering look, then promptly returned her attention to the Director. “Were you aware that Detective Hart committed several unsanctioned executions beneath your purview?”

Director Starling arched one golden brow. “Are you implying that I am not aware of the assignments my detectives take?”

“You must admit that the access to resources in addition to the license your agency carries makes a compelling case for negligence and abuse of power.”

The director’s eyes narrowed to shards of ice. “During the six months that Detective Hart’s whereabouts were unknown and the subsequent four in which he was held, a thorough investigation was conducted on the entire Lycan DetectiveAgency. Conclusive findings reflect that every resource is accounted for, a precedent I suspect other units cannot boast.”

“You’re saying that in all that time, you were unable to find evidence that Detective Hart had misused government funds and resources in order to commit these atrocities beneath your very nose?”

“I am saying that Detective Hart didn’t use so much as a single item that could be traced back to government supply, nor did any of the crimes he is accused of committing occur during any of his assignments. Perhaps you should reassess your queries, Councilor.”

“Your witness,” Hightower snapped, then promptly resumed her seat.

Lombardi once again stood and approached. “Director Starling, when did you realize that Joshua Hart was, in fact, too young to take the oaths?”

“The first time I met him.”

“And when was that?”

“The day he passed training in a record six months.”

“An impressive feat,” Lombardi said with a nod. “You mean to tell me you had never before met Joshua Hart before that day?” He gestured toward Josh as if the question required clarification.

“Correct.”

“And what brought you there?”

“It is a tradition for all current Lycan Detectives to be present during the testing.”

“How did you know he was too young?”

Director Starling broke eye contact with Lombardi to glance quickly at me. “I looked at him.”

“So you in no way aided in his deception?”

“No. I held him back.”

“Why not simply have him expelled?”

“Because he was the best I’d ever seen.” Something that sounded suspiciously like pride entered her voice. “Still is.” My chest tightened at the unexpected praise.

Lombardi turned away, then seemed to remember something. “One more question.”

“Yes, Councilor?”

“Were you aware at that time that Detective Joshua Hart is also the last male heir of the ancient family of lycan hunters known as the Harkers?”