Grimm Consequences Read Online Free PDF Page B

but for the quiet rustle of their black robes. Once they’d taken their places, the chairperson gave us a terse nod. “Please be seated.”
    I found Tess’s hand under the table and twined my fingers with hers.
    Mary rose to her feet. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the Tribunal. I regret that we are still waiting for Trish Muffet to arrive. I ask your—”
    â€œMs. Smith,” the chairperson interrupted, “it appears you did not receive our memo earlier this morning. We have already absolved Trish Muffet of any negligence in the disappearance of the body of the sorceress, Sebille Fenwick.” The chairperson cast a glance at one of her fellow magistrates and cleared her throat. “Therefore we did not require her presence today.”
    â€œThank you, Madam Chairperson,” Mary stammered, casting a quick glance at Al, obviously as surprised by the Tribunal’s decision as the rest of us. Al just gave her an almost imperceptible shrug. “I apologize for my ignorance of the matter.”
    If Al and Mary hadn’t had a hand in making sure Trish was cleared, I wondered who had. There were only a few people I knew who could’ve put some pressure on the Tribunal. Two of them didn’t seem to know anything about it. The third had gone off-grid after Sebille had killed his wife, and no one had heard from him since.
    Curious . . .
    â€œNow, to the matter at hand,” the chairperson continued. “We have reviewed this case extensively. After combing over all of the evidence provided by the Fairytale Management Authority as well as that provided by an independent investigative body, we were unable to find anyone at fault for the sorceress’s disappearance. Therefore, we have no choice but to clear the defendants Nathaniel Grimm, Tess Little, and Al Addin of any dereliction of duty in this matter.”
    Mary bowed her head. “Thank you, Madam Chairperson, members of the Tribunal.”
    â€œWe do, however, expect this matter to be looked into further, Director Addin,” the chairperson said, ignoring Mary. “This case is by no means closed.”
    Al stood, smoothing the front of his suit jacket. “I could not agree more, Madam Chairperson. In fact, in order to more effectively allocate resources to such high-priority cases, I have decided to name an assistant director of the FMA who will oversee special task force operations. I hope you will join me in congratulating Enforcer Little in her promotion, which is effective immediately.”
    â€œYou’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
    Oh, shit. Here we go.
    Every head on the Tribunal snapped in unison in Tess’s direction. “You have something to say, Enforcer Little?”
    â€œHell, yeah, I do,” Tess shot back, her cheeks flushing with anger as she launched to her feet and pegged Al with a furious glare. In a low voice she demanded, “What the fuck, Al?”
    Al sent a diplomatic smile toward the Tribunal before turning toward Tess and grinding out, “Smile and nod and then say ‘thank you, Al’ in front of all these nice people, Red. We’ll discuss this later.”
    â€œDamn right we will,” she muttered. Then, as ordered, she draped on a smile that, quite frankly, was a little frightening, before forcing out in a loud voice, “Thank you so much, Director Addin. I can’t wait to talk to you more about this incredible opportunity.”
    Tess’s words must’ve been convincing enough for the Tribunal. The chairperson slammed her gavel, dismissing us all. The minute we were back in the hallway, though, Tess let loose on Al.
    â€œWhat the hell?” she demanded. “You’re taking me off the streets and shoving me behind a desk so I can get buried in bureaucracy? After all the years I’ve busted my ass with the FMA, this is how you thank me?”
    â€œThis isn’t a punishment, Red,” Al said calmly,