Episode 35

I grabbed my phone with a frown and a cigarette. Suddenly the kitchen chair wasn't as comfortable. I opened the window a crack. I needed air. What the hell was going on?

"Hello Miss Tina," came the smooth voice I'd been wanting to hear. I smiled. "I told you we're past the Miss stage, didn't I?"

I launched into the short monologue I'd prepared, recapping the earlier conversation with Laura. Cecile listened without interrupting. When I was done, they congratulated me for a job well done. They seemed impressed. "It's not me really, it's Laura." I told them. I went on to explain how sweet and caring she was.

It was becoming easy to talk to them. Too easy. I didn't like that.

"So, tell me about the ceremony," I said while getting up to make coffee. I needed something to occupy my hands and thoughts.

Cecile softly laughed. They seemed to understand I was getting way out of my comfort zone talking to them about Laura. They indulged me without comment, though.

"The ceremony, as you know, will take place in 9 days. It involves Gianni, Eileen, and us. August will of course have a place of honor. What we need to do however is inform not only the dauphin but also the kingdom's citizens. They've been kept out of the loop for far too long, most of them not even knowing Gianni exists."

Right. "And how do you propose we do that?" The sarcasm was thick enough even they could spot it, I hoped.

"You already know the answer, dear Tina. Magic, and your help. You know this city better than any of us, and we need you to deliver letters to everyone living in it. I'll handle the out-of-towners. Yes, I will teleport. No, not directly inside anyone's home. I do have manners. Yes, I'll let you know how it goes."

I asked about the letters, who would write them? How? And most importantly… "So how many will I have to deliver?"

I did not like the answer. Shit, this town was crowded. I had another, maybe more delicate question however. "What about those people living here who don't have an address? We have a homeless population, they should be included. And offered a shower, refreshments, and a place to sleep that night at the very least."

"How could we manage all of that, Tina?"

But I already had it figured out. "Spacious tents and festival showers and latrines. They don't have to sleep in proper beds but at least for that night they shouldn't sleep on the pavement. We can provide air mattresses. And food. These are our people too, Cecile."

Cecile was silent for a long time. I wondered if they were still on the line. Before I could ask, they answered.

"We would need the help of the entire magical community for this. I don't know about you, but I can't make that many tents appear, or that much food. Would the Agency help, do you think?"

Okay so my idea was going to be complicated to put into motion. But I was sure of myself. This was the right thing to do. A peace offering of sorts, and a powerful statement that would secure Gianni's throne even more. All of the population was included. Every one of them. No discrimination. That was the only way.

"Cecile, if I have to threaten the bosses to get the Agency's help, I will. We have to do it this way."

They laughed. "I will have your share of the letters at your place tonight. Perhaps we can organize this over dinner? I'll let you cook but I can bring dessert. 8?"

I was taken aback, but pleasantly surprised. "Sure, tonight at 8." I smiled to myself and hung up.