I couldn't help feeling some satisfaction in Jerome's abrupt change in attitude.
"Are you serious?" he asked a note of hesitation in his voice.
"I am," I said my voice sounding unusually loud to my ears ringing with a finality that gave me the shivers. I knew what I proposed was very dangerous, but I was committed to seeing it through.
"How would you do it?" Ezekiel then asked in his soft voice, "Your only connection with the group has vanished."
I thought of Hannah and her attraction for me. Perhaps it was wishful thinking on my part, but something told me if I reached out to her now she would help me, especially if I threatened to openly speak about Res Publica if she didn't. Glancing at the other two Little Dragons, I kept this part of my plan to myself saying instead. "If I can get in, I am the most logical choice to spy on them. The only reason Anne is imprisoned is because of my request. They should be able to understand why I would want to become more intimately involved."
Ezekiel and Jerome exchanged meaningful glances. They knew I wasn't telling them everything. It rankled that they didn't trust me, but I also couldn't blame them. Perhaps I should be more open about the relationship I shared with Hannah, but when I was going to say more Ezekiel spoke.
"You are right Gershom, this is the best option. If you can pull it off, you will have my full support," he said and after a moment Jerome echoed the same sentiments.
Although gratified to have their backing, I suddenly felt the gravity of the entire situation. I needed to contact Hannah right away. "How long do we have before Anne faces judgement?" I asked Ezekiel.
"Due to the ramifications of what she is accused of, I expect a date will be set tomorrow and the hearing will be open to all Little Dragons," he said his voice heavy. "I already told you what the elders are planning on doing to her and unless new evidence is presented the whole process will be over in a day or two."
Then Anne will begin the rest of her life as a science experiment, I thought, until some Little Dragon announces her as cured, or she decides to end her life. "I better get started," I said out loud. Considering how little time we really had, we set a date to meet the following day and then dispersed.
Anne
The walls in my cell began blinking forcing me to arouse myself for yet another visitor. This time the Little Dragon entering I didn't know.
The reptile had a taller stance than Jerome with gleaming yellow eyes that stared intensely at me. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Felix," he said while extending his claw to me in greeting.
Slowly I took it into my own. This Little Dragon was a complete stranger to me and so far all of my visitors had been either family, friends or acquaintances. A feeling of unease came over me as I acknowledged this presence. "Forgive me but do I know you?" I asked.
He gave a negative shake of his scaly head. "But I hope that will change. I received the elders' permission to work with you in discovering exactly how Linda Devine was murdered. Although all the evidence points to you, there are too many unanswered questions. I am a scientist and a healer, and I have access to others whose expertise will be valuable in determining the truth."
Something dangerous began growing inside my breast, hope. "Do you believe I am innocent?" I asked him.
"I honestly don't know, and I am willing to look at all possibilities," he said. "A hearing will be held a few days from now in which you will be given the choice of either working with me or staying here in prison. I came here because I don't want to wait any longer to begin. I obtained permission from the elders to take you to my facility now as long as you are willing."
I could leave prison? It sounded too good to be true, and I said as much.
Felix gave me an understanding smile. "It has the same safeguards as this place. You will be choosing one prison over another I am afraid but at least we will be working non-stop to discover what really happened. While in here, all you can do is wait."
I was definitely tired of waiting. "Let's do it," I told him. "I also have a few friends who are doing their own research on my behalf on the outside."
"Tell me their names," Felix said as we left the prison together.
That ends Social Conundrums, Part XXIV. Next month is Social Conundrums, Part XXV. Learn more about the Little Dragons by reading the earlier blog post series titled Humanity's Evolution.
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