The next day Kerrigan exited the office suite to see Anna Brooks setting up a presentation in the conference room. She ducked her head in the door and asked sweetly, “Ana, right? Did Conor remember to ask you about houses?” Anna looked up and nodded, “This is actually for you. I have a number of options if you would like to come in and see.” Kerrigan entered the room, but felt like something was off. Anna remained extremely professional but seemed distant. “We may be able to eliminate some of these depending on your needs,” Anna explained, pulling several homes up on the screen. “Why don’t you list some of the things you believe are essential and we can go from there.” “Ok, well, there will be four of us staying there, so I think four bedrooms is important. While the girls can share a room, I think if we are going to be here for any length of time, each having our own space is key.” Anna toggled a setting and several houses fell off the list. “Um, Reilynn will be recovering, so

The following morning, Kerrigan joined Wayne and Bran at the Jinstain police K-9 training ground. Six dog handlers were present for their annual recertification and Faolan was Wayne’s top choice for showing them the course. Kerrigan was nervous in front of so many experienced handlers, but Bran assisted her in remembering any commands she forgot. Faolan executed the basic course with ease, returning to Kerrigan’s side. The morning training only lasted just over an hour but was an excellent primer for Kerrigan. Watching the other trainers gave her a chance to cement some of the concepts in her mind, and she was both relieved and a bit concerned that even with their years of training, several of the trainers still struggled to control their dogs. If this was the state of the current police force’s more experienced members, she wondered how effective they were in the field. “Never mind the weaker ones. After all, that is why I am here. The department wants me to work with them for the

Kerrigan fell into a simple routine of visiting the local police academy to train with Faolan every morning, stopping by the hospital to check on Reilynn, and then visiting either the master craftsmen at the violin shop or going to the community center in the afternoons before returning to Vokrizin to catch up on emails from Natalie. Faolan was brilliant, and the other trainers were envious of her skill and obedience. After the first week of working with the police dog trainers, Bran commented, “Faolan has really taken to you. She never really took to any of the other trainers who worked with her. Even Evelynn seems to be doing well with her.” “Even Evelynn? What is that supposed to mean?” Quipped Evelynn as she jugged past with Faolan on their next circuit of the course. “Damn that one has good hearing,” Bran commented, watching her run past. “Best keep that in mind. Hopefully, we can get Reilynn out here soon. I think the two of them will get along great,” Kerrigan said. “When

Conor walked down the hall to his old office and knocked just as Kerrigan was hanging up with Natalie. “Got a minute?” “I suppose.” “Issues back at Dragon Corporation?” “Kelan is being an ass to my staff, and my chief of security is missing. But all sunshine and rainbows. So, what's up?” Kerrigan said with a forced smile. “Well, Peter Miros stopped by.” “The AperturePhoto guy?” “Yep. He had a curious visitor. One Andrew Harden.” “Harden… that family does construction for the Benedicts, right? What did he want?” “You know your stuff!” “It pays to know one’s enemy,” Kerrigan said with a smirk. Conor explained briefly what Peter had told him. Kerrigan sat back in the chair and steepled her fingers in contemplation. “So, the runt of the litter is making a play for the throne. Sounds like Harden Corporation will be in dire straights if they don’t get a major injection of funds.” “Or they will just keep playing lackey to the Benedicts,” Conor suggested. “True, but Ezra Harden i

Mr. Nuri arrived early at the court house and found his place behind the defendant’s table. He laid out his notes and began reviewing. He always made a point of arriving well before anyone else to make sure he had everything set. On many days like this Jarad or one of his other paralegals might have joined him, but they all had tasks to attend to in preparation for the Gala and Conor’s upcoming business moves. Even his new apprentice was busy trying to solve the conundrum that was the task of reacquiring full control of Dragon Corporation. Mr. Nuri scratched his head as he looked over the notes from discovery. This should be an open and shut case, but this judge he had been assigned was a newer one. Judge Marrow according to the notes his team had compiled for him was raised in Pinon Province but had attended the capital’s renowned school of law, the same that he had attended, though a few years before himself. The small audience began filtering in, many graduate students trying t