Esper Files by Egan Brass

Author:Egan Brass [Brass, Egan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Inkitt
Published: 2016-10-30T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20 - Jus Ad Bellum

The Professor and James stood pressed against the furthest wall, trying their best to keep attention off of them. Which was a fairly easy task given where they were: the House of Lords.

When they arrived—the Professor had insisted James not use his powers—the meeting had already commenced and a crowd of dignitaries gathered. Most of the attendees were standing up, which made it very easy for the Professor to sneak into a corner and catch the eyes of the one lord he was here to see. Finally, Lord Mortfield glided towards them.

“Professor,” he said tipping his head slightly.

Mortfield was not an impressive man. If anything, he looked just like any regular gentleman of status and vast wealth, but he exuded an aura about him that made undeniable his power to rule. As one of the most senior members of the House of Lords, he was also the first to be involved in the dark pits of British politics, and was considered slightly less magnanimous than royalty. And it was this same Lord Mortfield who gave near unlimited funds to the Professor, when the latter was charged with building the Institute. Nowadays, Mortfield was considered the official sponsor of the Esper community and was one of the few people who trusted the Professor.

“Lord Mortfield,” the Professor said, reciprocating the bowing gesture.

“My Lord,” James added.

Mortfield noticed him for the first time and smiled, before returning to the Professor.

“This is quite rare,” Mortfield remarked. “What could possibly force you to leave your stronghold and visit me here, in this den of wolves and lions?”

The Professor smiled. “My apologies for my lack of social appearance, but I’m sure you would understand why hosting a soiree at the Institute might cause a slight panic.”

Mortfield’s polite smile widened into a real smile and he chuckled. “Quite. I reckon a few of these old chaps might keel over from shock just by opening the invitation.” He laughed again. “So, Professor, what can I assist you in? More funding perhaps?”

The Professor smiled and shook his head. “No, my Lord, you have been generous enough in that regard,” the Professor replied. “Is there a place we can speak privately? I’m afraid this matter is of considerable delicacy.”

Mortfield nodded. “Indeed, Professor, we may speak privately. My office is just outside the west wing of the building. We can confer there.”

“Thank you, my Lord.”

The three of them slowly walked out of the main conference hall, with Mortfield making several stops to shake hands and talk to some people, deferring any business they had to some other time.

Once outside, Mortfield leaned in towards the Professor. “I must say I am quite curious with your research, Professor,” he admitted. “Out of all my investments, yours is by far the most interesting.”

He looked at James. “You are an Esper, I take it? One of those with extraordinary powers?”

James looked at the Professor, who gave him a significant look to play along to the Lord’s whims. James nodded.

“Splendid,” Mortfield said. He leaned in a little closer as if discussing something contraband.

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