"What?"

"Very well," Reichert said finally.

"It is a reasonable request considering the circumstances. Am I to assume that Miss Sloan will be joining this venture?"

Heda was suspicious. This was going a little too easily.

“Ideally yes, once we find out the cost of utilities. King Jason Burchill is helping his nephew out a lot, so that's making this financially feasible for all of us."

"Burchill is a good man," Reichert replied, almost absently.

"This is a good situation."

Heda did not get it. This man was so hot and cold that it made her wonder.

"Thank you," she said, standing up to leave.

"Please, stay for a moment," Reichert replied.

"Miss Adler, I am going to need your help in the coming months while this madman is located, and I would like for us to be on the same side for you entire time here at FCU."

Heda closed her eyes and tried to remain calm when she said, "Then why aren't you doing anything to help Madison? Please, I want to respect you and your crown, but how --"

“This situation is much more complicated that you think," Reichert said.

"If Alvin Hannity is kicked out of this institution, it will not only threaten a significant source of income for this university, but do you think that will help your friend? Do you really think that the Hannity clan is incapable of making Madison's life miserable from afar?"

"That's no excuse for letting him hunt her the way he is!"

"No, it is not. Teasing or insulting is one thing, but damaging her is another. Please see this from my position. I do not personally doubt that he assaulted her the other day, but the fact remains that he has witnesses that say otherwise and she has no one to corroborate her story. You can confirm that she was injured in the woods several weeks ago, but not that it was him. The circumstantial evidence is strong, but that's all it is . . . circumstantial."

He sighed, then looked away.

"I am not . . . easily moved . . . by shifters such as Miss Sloan with genetic abnormalities. I know that you may hate me for that, but it is true. It is not true, however, that I will allow your friend to come to harm because of my biases.

I have spoken with young Mister Hannity and assured him that if the harassment of Miss Sloan continues that I shall be forced to initiate a very thorough investigation that might yield irrefutable evidence that would render any defense, no matter how well funded, to be sadly insufficient."

Heda's mind was reeling. Her mother had always warned her that shifter politics was insanely tricky, and now she was beginning to understand.

“Are the Hannitys really that dangerous?"

"Yes, they can be. I always found Alvin's father to be quite amiable personally, though his wife is . . . difficult. And Alvin Hannity is, well, a momma's boy."

Heda actually snickered. She could totally see that.

"Have you ever told Madison any of this?"

"Madison has never shown much interest in anything I have to say.