Lance Knight thought about the conversation he had with Tachibana no Akane and the white tiger on the way home.
Weres that have permanently forsaken their human form and live permanently in their were forms, he recalled. I wonder what that's like?
Then, making a decision, Lance pulled over to the first safe parking space he could find.
First he put his cellphone on its car charger, so it wouldn't run out of power at a crucial moment, then he called the Moon Lake Gazette's printing plant.
"Charlie, it's Lance Knight. Has tomorrow's paper gone to print yet?" he asked the man who answered the call.
"We're about to. Why?"
"Call up the Business section, and read me Fred's piece about Far Houjin. Verbatim," requested Lance.
Charlie accessed his computer and honored his Editor-In-Chief's instructions. "Is everything all right?" he asked, afterward.
"We need to add extra to keep things legal," said Lance. "Take this down, verbatim. Rumors and speculation abound as to the present whereabouts of Far and his grandson Kai. While none have been either confirmed or denied, the heads of the Wáng Technological Consortium have been known to go on unannounced spiritual retreats before, but always leave the company in good hands during their absence. Got that?"
"Yes. We can easily squeeze that into Fred's article if we shrink the house ad for our weekend magazine supplement," replied Charlie.
"Do it. My authority."
"You got it. Anything else boss?"
"No. Just take good care of our paper. I'll make sure there's something a little extra in your next paycheck for your troubles," promised Lance.
"No problem boss. Have a good night."
"You too," said Lance, then he called Tachibana no Akane on the private number she gave him after he joined the Elders' Council.
Riding back to her house, Tachibana answered her cell on the second ring, before listening to what Lance had to say.
Having heard the conversation thanks to his acute were hearing, the white tiger sitting next to her simply smiled and nodded his acceptance.
"On behalf of both the White Tigers and the Skulk, you have our thanks," said Akane.
"I would still like to talk to you about the matter of emancipating Frieda and putting her in charge of Knight Industries when we have more time to discuss the situation in greater detail," requested Lance.
"Of course. Any time that is convenient for you. But now, shouldn't you be getting ready for that werepanther meeting?" asked Akane.
"Yes. Take care," said Lance.
"You too," replied Akane, before hanging up.
Then she turned to look at her traveling companion.
"He can be a bit conflicted at times, but Lance Knight is an honorable man," she said.
"Indeed. Can he be trusted in our plans for Frieda Knight to take over his brother's company?" asked the White Tiger.
"Probably, but it is a matter that I will have to completely feel him out on when we can discuss the matter fully."
"Understood. Now, shall we return home and join Kai for dinner?"
"Yes," said Akane, as her limo continued on its journey.