Chapter 49

We made it through the security line, the least harried and anxious of the crowd and letting numerous people in before us. All we needed to do was observe, and some of the people around us had jobs and safety of employees that depend on if they were able to speak or not at the meeting.

We stood in the back between other press people and a few cameramen set up with tall tripods. Tech workers were setting up microphones in front and a few people were already seated at the head table with name plates in front of them.

The chairs were full of people waiting nervously, looking over their notes.

Matilda showed me some of her photos. There were some particularly good ones of city security, angry and trying to intimidate a man with a briefcase, or another of a bus driver clutching his papers and running toward the building, a look of intense concern on his face.

The room was full and people were still streaming in when the security began to shut the doors. There was an outcry from outside and a scuffle as people demanded to be let in.

Matilda turned her camera toward the fracas and clicked away as people were shoved out. A man went to the microphone and announced that fire codes prohibited any more people.

A roar of disapproval came from the crowd with shouts of "You're trying to shut down our rights!" and "You intentionally chose a smaller room!"

I was jotting down notes as fast as my hands would go.

I was relieved to see Mrs. Addison and Ms. Beale have made it in. Ms. Beale spotted us and murmured to Mrs. Addison, who turned and waved. Ms. Beale got up and edged her way toward us.

"This is bad," she said, huddling close to us. "They're shutting out a third of the people who usually are allowed in, and lot of press."

We looked toward the doors where people were angrily still yelling and blocking the doors from closing.

"Good thing you came so early," she said. "Looks like we aren't your only story though."

She squeezed our arms in support and went back to her seat.

Two large men in suits with city security badges on their chests were elbowing their way back through the crowds. I felt small and knew that without my scent I'd be inconspicuous, so was surprised when one turned his eyes directly on me.

He stalked up to me and looked from my face to my press badge.

"Social Scene?"

"Yes." I'm surprised again. Evidently, I had earned some notoriety and I had to stop myself from being pleased.

"You're not allowed here." He reached out to grab my arm.

I shrugged him off and stood as tall as I could, my anger beginning to simmer and outweigh the intimidation the man's size and commanding voice.

Besides, after standing up to Charles Rafe, this man felt like a puppy.

Matilda's eyes went nervously from me to the man.

"I believe I am allowed here and you'll please not touch me."

"You aren't a political reporter."

"The direction of our editorial is not your expertise, and the press by law are welcome at all meetings and aspects of political decision making."

The man glowered at me for a moment.

"Let me see your badge."

"You can see it."

"It may be a forgery. You don't look anything like the usual reporter from that rag."

I held up my badge for him to examine, and he made a few notes. I tried not to let that bother me and when he lowered his phone I gestured back to him.

"Your turn."

"Excuse me?" he demanded.

"Credentials. City employees work for the public and I demand to see your badge."

There was a hush around me. Matilda looked like she might faint, and one of the camera men next to me was trying to contain a grin that threatened to break out on his face.

The large city worker growled in frustration but didn't move.

"Article 56 of the city code..." I began, but don't have to continue. The man sneered and ripped off his badge, holding it aggressively an inch from my face.

I leaned back, made a note of his name and department and then smiled my sweetest smile back.

"Thank you, Mr. Blakely. I think you're probably needed over there at the doors, and shouldn't be harassing the press."

He responded with rude words that made Matilda say "Woah," as he stormed away.

"Hell, yeah little girl!" the camera man held up a hand to high five me. I smiled sheepishly and slapped his hand, but inside felt like I wanted to throw up or faint. "You sure told him."

"I think I may melt into a puddle on the floor," I said, slumping back against the wall.

"No no, you were fierce," he said, and moved his stool over for me to sit on. "Here. Rest for a moment. You deserve it."

"Thank you."

I sank into the stool, grateful for the support.

Matilda was looking at me with admiration. "Elena, I had no idea you had so much boss in you!"

"Boss?"

"You may small, but you've got Alpha power written all over you when you want it."

I have Alpha power? I blinked at her, surprised. She was smiling and nodding.

"I can see in your eyes that you don't believe me. But how else would you have backed down that asshole?"

"Are you from Social Scene?" A man in the back row had turned around to see the commotion behind him and was looking at me. "Is that what I heard?"

Matilda and I nodded and he turned more, looking at me excitedly.

"You aren't Elena Laurentia, are you?"

"I am," I said, surprised.

"Your article on the orphanages were excellent," he said. "If I could reach across the walkway without losing my seat, I'd shake your hand."

"Really? Thank you!"

"It light a fire under us at the parks department. We thought if the orphanages were also having issues than maybe ours weren't an anomaly. I think a lot of people are here because you made them realize something bigger was up."

I felt tears start up, but aggressively pushed them down. "Thank you," I said. "That means a lot to hear."

"Keep up the good work," he said, giving me a thumbs up. "And tell whomever took those photos that they were great as well."

I pointed happily at Matilda who beamed and waved as he nodded his approval.

He turned around as the city official began to enter through a door at the back of the room and an uproar went up from the crowd who was still not allowed inside and trying to keep the door from closing.

"This is amazing," Matilda said, her face flushed with pride. "We've done good."

"I think we have," I said, beaming, my heart full to bursting.

I slid the stool back to the camera man who was trying to crouch and adjusts his feed.

"People outside," a man announced into the microphone. "We will broadcast the proceedings into the lobby for you. If you are on the list to speak, please keep your comments to under three minutes."

Another objection went up. "That's half the normal time!" someone called.

A gavel went down at the front. Matilda and I looked at each other as the man began to recite, "I hereby begin the proceeding of the Lustrum monthly city council meeting..."

"Here we go," I whispered to Matilda.