Page 26 (1/2)

Claude, who had almost started to relax in the face of Justin’s casualness, flushed "She’s not fictitious, Dr March"

"I know you think that, but if you can’t prove her existence to the government, we have to classify her as fictitious" Justin’s tone wasn’t unkind, but he spoke in a way that told Mae he’d had to explain this point many, many tiot all the official jargon here, but I’d love to hear about your group in your oords What you believe How you operate"

He’d put on that friendly air again, and Claude lit up at the chance to explain his beliefs "We worship the Goddess of Nine Faces in her scholarly guise She gives us understanding and insight into the world, allowing us to pursue all sorts of knowledge"

"And wisdoentle smile, and noas his turn to explain one of his orn fields of expertise "Knowledge is not the same as wisdom, as I’ and striving to excel in their field possesses knowledge A ninety-year-old- life possesses wisdooddess as the Lady of Keys Despite our different paths, we do haveto forge connections between our groups There’s a Lady of Keys congregation a hundred kiloun to be in contact with"

"Ah," said Justin, s "Now I see"

There was no way a servitor wouldn’t know every established religion inside and out, especially one as widespread as the Nine-Faced Goddess Justin most certainly understood the difference between the Lady of the Book and the Lady of Keys He was still the perfect picture of pleasantness and aness in his dark eyes as Claude spoke Justin was taking in every intonation, every gesture, and every turn of phrase Coaxing Claude to talk about the goddess he loved siather more data It was his technique in action: Find out what means the most to someone and exploit it Like, for exa Panama

When prompted, the priest was equally happy to explain how they worshipped "Many of ourwhatever we like Afterward, we share our knowledge and try to learn htened discussions Our roup is reading I write , but of course, all opinions are welcoe respectful analysis Worship of the Lady herself is present too We sing songs and prayers to her, bedeck her with flowers, and give our blessings to scholars seeking her aid We read stories and ods There’s enlighten about the truth of others"

Justin had his reader in hand again and proceeded to go over operating, financial, and tax paperith Claude Mae couldn’t see the screen but followed along with it as best she could It gave her a new appreciation for the ist, detective, accountant She found herself drawn in by the intensity in his already captivating features It was a single-minded focus she understood

"I don’t even have to study these records to see hoell you’re doing," said Justin He paused to look around and adation’s at…one hundred and fifty?"

Claude’s head bobbed up and down He was clearly delighted at hoell this was going "Yes, yes It’s quite wonderful We were only around seventy-five at our last licensing"

The speed at which Justin looked up was Mae’s only indication that he was shocked "You’ve doubled in a year?" He turned back to the reader and scanned a list "There it is You certainly have"

They talked about ten minutes ain "Well, it’s been very nice speaking with you"

"Likewise," said Claude The priest was bea "I’s we do here"

"Me too," said Justin "And I’m sorry I can’t renew your license"

Claude frozeyour pardon?"

Justin shook his head in syed to have that upbeat look on his face "I’ your license You’ll have to suspend all operations i for alerous! We aren’t violating any of the country’s religious dictates"

"You’re violating our tax dictates That statue ift, but it’s an expensive one and still has to be reported as an asset and filed under your income As income, it would be subject to taxes--which you haven’t paid"

"We were never told of anything like that!"

"It’s the law, Mr Diaz, which you’re responsible for knowing Ignorance is not an excuse"

Justin begantoward the doorway, and Claude was fast on his heels Mae moved swiftly after theive us a chance to rectify the situation! We’ll appraise the statue and pay whatever back taxes are necessary--and any penalties" Claude wrung his hands "Please, Dr March Our goddess is the center of my life and the lives of many others Please don’t take this away"