“Yes, yes, I can see that.” They were all nodding, and she thought of something else. “We would be overrun by anyone that thinks to be taking advantage of our funding.”
“Who would run this foundation you’re setting up?” They looked at each other, then at her. “Oh no. I’m not doing it. You’re going to have to find someone else to do that part. I’ll sell off your things if I can, but I’m not going to run that as well. I have a life. I want to have children, and I have a mate I’d like to see every once in a while.”
“I would love to do it.” They all turned to her grandmother when she spoke. “I’ve been trying to think of things to do. I have some friends I’d like to see, but more that I’d like to avoid. But I think this will be just what I need to...well, to feel like I’m productive again.”
“Then it is settled. We will give you a list of the inventory we have acquired and get it to you within a fortnight. After that, we’ll set up all accounts that are needed to make this work for all concerned.”
As they moved away, talking to her grandmother, Vinnie looked at Mitch. He had the strangest smile on his face. She asked him what was so funny.
“I’m going to be married to a vampire who works for the council, who just happens to love me right back. Life couldn’t be any better if we tried. Now if tomorrow goes well, we can get on with our lives.” She hoped it would be that easy. But things had a way of fucking up. She knew this first hand.
Chapter 12
The courtroom was packed. Mitch looked around again and wondered why there were so many people there for this. He was both terrified and embarrassed by it all. When his attorney slapped him on the back and told him not to worry, his worry doubled. The guy was just entirely too chipper for his tastes. Mitch looked around the room again.
You’re worrying too much. Mitch smiled at the sound of Vinnie’s voice in his head. Last night they’d gotten a call that the hearing had been moved to later in the day, and she’d not been able to attend with him as he’d hoped. I’m there with you, just not physically. What has you so worked up?
There must be two hundred people in here, and I’m not kidding either. Then there are the ghosts. Some of them are sitting on the laps of the humans like they’re the only ones here. It’s almost comical. She laughed in his head and he felt better. You did that on purpose, didn’t you?
Yes. You need to just relax. According to your attorney, this is a piece of cake. Though why he wants cake and not a thick juicy steak is beyond me. Mitch glanced over at the man they were talking about. He was a shifter, a wolf, and Mitch had to stifle a laugh when he grinned at him again. The man really was too happy all the time. Just let it flow. If they win, which I highly doubt, then I will hunt them down and drain them for you. It would taste nasty being that they’re who they are, but I’d do it all in the name of love.
It took him several seconds to realize she was kidding. At least he hoped so. There were times when he was never sure. Like now. Was she or not? Either way, he didn’t want to think about it right at the moment. When the judge was announced, everyone stood up and he felt his heart beat just a little harder. It was do or die time.
The other lawyer stood up to give his speech. Hell of a speech it was too. He went on about how the Bruces had been struggling for years, that they’d been having trouble feeling their confidence again after what had happened to them that horrid night. And how the government had treated them since, giving them little to no work. So little, in fact, that Mr. Bruce had had to take on a second job, one that took him out of the house when his wife of thirty years needed him the most.
Mitch’s lawyer stood up, but instead of speaking, he turned to the back of the room. A single man stood up and asked to speak to the judge. As he made his way to the front of the room, several people started whispering, but the judge put an end to that quickly.
“There will be order in my courtroom.” No one said another word and the man that had come from the back was standing in front of him. “Now, young man, I’m assuming you have something you’d like to say? And it had better be relevant, if you know what’s good for you.”
“Yes, sir. It’s about this case. I know that before the lawyer for the defendant speaks I have to ask you if I may be represented by the same attorney. To save time.” The judge looked at him, then back at the young man. “I should like to make it known that I was also abused by the Bruces, and barely made it out at all. I want to put in my two cents worth.”