Read The Raconteurs' Muse Literary Journal Vol.I Page 14
Chapter Twelve
Scott’s Story
By
Scott Schultz
There was an eerie silence to the forest. A squirrel was curious about the silence and started to investigate. A distant snap brought it back to its senses as it retreated to a large oak tree. Safety was within its paws when it was shot to the tree and moved no more.
“Good shot” said a new voice in the distance. The intruder was wearing a worn purple suit covered in a black traveler’s cloak his ordinary brown eyes studying his surroundings. When he deemed it safe from further life added
“This is far enough.” Another man removed the arrow from his prey and started to clean it off.
“You better have a damn good reason for meeting me Vain,” replied the second man.
Vain reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to his equal. “I’ve found another one of our targets brother,” explained Vain. A smile appeared on the killer’s face as he exclaimed “Daniel and Vain are back in business!”
Vain couldn’t believe how gleeful his brother was about this! Daniel was such a simple man who enjoyed simple things. Taking another’s life was among those pleasures. “This isn’t like before Daniel, we’re simply preventing dark times from returning,” he said.
“Oh that’s where you’re wrong Brother,” smiled Daniel.
Vain didn’t return his smile and stared into his gray eyes and waited for him to explain further.
Daniel caught on and lost his smile. He continued “It’s simple, our services wouldn’t be requested if dark times had not returned”. He glanced at Vain before reading the note. A smile announced that he had finished reading his sentencing, death. “Where would I hope to find the Smiths?” asked Daniel.
Vain slowly raised his finger to his left and casually replied “Up the road a little bit. It seems that our friends do enjoy their privacy.”
Daniel’s facial expression became serious as he said, “More proof that they have something to hide and earn death.” He led the way and Vain followed. Both brothers walked down the unforgiving path that would be the end of someone and the start of something.
A thick folder was lying on a messy desk in a plain room. The door was jiggled and then opened by a small and thin man. He removed his hat and cloak and put them on the coat rack near the door. “Unbelievable,” uttered the man as he slumped into his chair. A name plate announced that the desk belonged to Michael Harding. The folder was opened to reveal a list of different reports.
Shifting through them he wasn’t impressed with his findings. Finally, he picked one out and began to read it. “Mrs. Timmerman was taking her daily walk when she noticed two dark figures heading toward the smith’s house. Thinking nothing of it she continued her walk. Thirty minutes later she recalled seeing smoke from the direction of her neighbors and she rushed to investigate. To her horror she found a house engulfed in flames. Shocked and in disbelief she stood and watched it burn until an extraordinary cry brought her back. Realizing what she heard Mrs. Timmerman sprinted into the house and found the Smiths newest edition. After acquiring the young child she lunged out of the window onto the lawn.
He had enough and couldn’t handle finishing his read. The wheels in his head kept turning and turning with the same two thoughts. Who and why? Mary and Joseph Smith were your ordinary law abiding citizens. They supported their government and completed duties and tasks set before them. He was certain for one thing though. This was certainly the work of those who opposed the government. Still why would someone kill such a plain and innocent family?
The answer would have to wait as his beeper went off; reminding him that he had a meeting to catch. He organized the report and put it into his desk and he removed himself from his chair and pushed it in. His civil duties always got into the way of his work. The election of the water party was to arrive soon and he must make his endorsement decisions by tomorrow. After locking his door he glided down the hall toward the conference room. It’s been years since the water party had control over the country. The power struggle was mainly over the fire party and earth party. It made sense though. Fire and Earth made up most of the military force. Water was used mainly has a source of medicine. He wasn’t quite sure on the purpose of the Wind Party besides for providing efficient energy.
Michael’s thoughts were forced aside as he was greeted by his governess “Molly what an honor to see you again.”
“Yes, yes of course” spat the Governess. She was wearing a simple blue dress and hair was up in a tight bun. Her eyes were a bluish hue of gray. “Have you decided who is getting your support?”She never was the one for pointless talk.”
“I don’t announce it until tomorrow” I state.
“I am aware of that Mr. Harding.”
“I suppose you had another reason to ask me then?”
She curls her lip and says “Just curious as who might replace me is all”. Catching Michael’s attention she continues “I am stepping down as Governess of the Water Party today.” Silence was offered up as she decided her next thoughts. “I am needed elsewhere and I’ll be more useful in a less political atmosphere.”
“My lady.” He is unable to find his next words and offers a stiff nod.
She returns the nod and leads him into the conference room.
Faces glanced as they enter the room. “Mr. Harding your arrival is most opportune. You see we were simply discussing our next political move and your influence is needed. For years you have put together the best political campaigns that anyone has ever seen. We need that skill for our next move as a party.”
Michael looked around the room for the source of the voice and discovered Senator Judas stepping forward.
“You see for too long has our voice been ignored and it’s time that we make it heard.”
“I’m a little confused right now” Michael replied.
Judas smiled and continued, “I believe you read the report that we sent you early this morning.”
“As a matter of fact I did Senator”
“Excellent then you know the angle we want to use with our ads.”
“You want me to include information about a gruesome murder to aid us?”
“Precisely! It was the result of a failed policy from The Fire Party that must be corrected”
“You can’t be serious!?!”
“I’m afraid that I am. You see when we send that message to the general public it will cause an uproar which will lead to fear and panic. That is when we make our move.” Judas’ eyes studied him as he waited for a reaction.
“Senator you make it sound as if you’re planning to forcibly take power which is ludicrous and outrageous”
In response Judas licked his lips and walked closer to Michael. “THAT is exactly what I’m implying. Everyone else has discussed the matter and agrees that we plan to over throw our current President out of power. President Ives’ polices and leadership is mediocre at best. It’s time that he steps down” a cruel smile formed on his lips. “Wither by force or any other means possible.”
Michael was dumbfounded but what he was hearing. Over throw President Ives? It was impossible! His popularity with Pacifica was unusually high and who could blame the subjects!? War was avoided at all costs, poverty was at an all-time low, and crime rates were almost non-existent. Anyone with a brain would know that and write off the ad. It was pointless and a waste of everyone’s time.
Judas clasped his hand on Michael’s shoulder and looked him in the eyes. “We have your support, right?”
Unsure what to say he glanced at Molly for help. All she offered was a slight nod and it was clear to him. Everyone in that room had already decided the fate of Pacifica and now waited to see his reaction. He didn’t have to think long as his voice made the decision for him. “No”
The grip hardened as Judas raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to decline my offer?”
It’s too late to turn back now Michael thought to himself
. “You heard what I said. I’m not going to be a part of this.”
“That was the wrong answer. Such a shame for a potential talent like you to silenced but we can’t risk word getting out”
Michael was in pretty deep shit and he knew it.
Author Bio
Scott Burch is currently attending COCC for a degree in communications. Scott is also President of COCC's Theater Troupe club where he recently just directed his first play. In addition to attending college, Scott is active in Bend's local 2nd street theater productions. Scott has been in several productions including Assasins, Evil Dead The Musical, Richard lll and Working. Scott loves acting, singing, and all things related to the arts.