Lovers and Reprisals (Lovers Series) (40 page)

Woodrow liked Eliza, and he smartly smiled at her, giving her a slow nod of his approval.

In a weak voice, he brought their meeting to order.

“Now that we are all in attendance, I would like to suggest that we discuss our most urgent topic without delay.”

Woodrow didn’t have to name the topic he’d been referring to because they all knew and they noticed that his eyes steered clear of Morpheus.  Woodrow said...

“The floor is open for discussion of the matter concerning Tollin Pettier and Governor Andrew Wilcox.  As you all know, besides those of us seated here, there are only a handful of people who are aware of the governors political goals--and even though these people are being led to believe that these aspirations are the governor’s and the governor’s alone; this is by design, and they will never know that we in fact are the embodiment of that aspiration.  In due time--and after we have set the stage, the governor will reveal to the rest of the country that he is placing his bid to run in the next presidential election.  Now...we all know that there are many things that must occur, here as well as abroad.  The stabilization of the global market, crude oil production and then there is the European bank issue to consider.  In every endeavor, secrecy is the key--and that brings me to the purpose of this meeting.  Tollin Pettier’s death is gaining momentum in the Press as are the deaths of Alicia Holly Bradford and Dashiell Wrightly.  At this time--we do not need nor do we want Governor Andrew Wilcox, or his family in the media.  This problem has been compounded by three untimely murders and the fact that one of the victims just so happened to have mowed down the niece of Governor Wilcox.  The connection is weak, but even though up to now, Andrew has not been named in the murders; his association is thinly veiled.  Until now, we have done what we could using our influences to keep Andrew from becoming a suspect--but we need the media circus to die down.  We need the TV news to stop repeating their names.  George--where do we stand on that issue?”

The question had been put to George due to his media contacts.  George shook his head while saying...

“The major networks have tried to push the story to the back burners, but the bloggers won’t let it rest.  When the independent buzz gets out of hand, I don’t have many options; and believe me when I say that these bloggers are getting their message out.  They’ve been relentless--and not all the buzz concerns Tollin.  Some of the sites are talking about gun violence and the murder of the call girl--Holly.  There’s also a little chatter about
Amy’s mother and her generous donation to an inner city charity sponsored by a Samaritan woman.  Not much is being said
about Dash--on that front, we’ve pretty much got that covered.  But I can’t say the same about Marisela Pettier; she’s talking to whomever will listen to her.  And so far, that amounts to every national TV news network, cable networks and the radio outlets as well.  So--at this point, suppressing the story will only make matters worse.  This story has taken on a life of its own, and at this point these families and the bloggers have forced my hand.”

Woodrow looked at Vincent, the owner of Global Satellites, when he said...

“Vincent...were you able to do anything on your end?”

“Very little.  When we shut down one site, within hours, they were up and running, using another IP address.  This is a cat and mouse game--and right now, they seem to be winning.  The only answer is to shut down the entire grid--and I can’t do that.”

“I agree”  Woodrow said... “That’s sure to feed the conspiracy nuts.”

Morpheus smirked because most times the conspiracy theories weren’t theories at all; except for a few missing details, these people came close to knowing the entire truth.

Berta gesticulated, pointing her finger when she said...

“Now that she’s here--let’s ask her what she thinks, given that Morpheus insisted we invite her to join our group.”

Woodrow was the oldest of them, and whenever a member spoke out of turn, he felt that it was his duty to renew order.

He shifted in his seat, turning to face Berta.

“Friend...let us begin again.  But this time, we will proceed in an orderly manner.” 

While pointing at Berta, he said....

“Berta...you may have the floor.”

Without hesitating, Berta went for the jugular...

“Andrew Wilcox’s nomination is in jeopardy.”  She pointed her finger at Eliza while saying...  “And she is partly to blame.  I may not live in this country but as you all have said...there is a bigger picture, and your next president will be in that portrait.  Well...I agree, but I do not see any way out of this.  Nearly everyday your newspapers or your TV news is talking about the sister of Andrew Wilcox and the mysterious way that Tollin Pettier took his life.  They are talking about Andrew for all the wrong reasons and soon, they will make the connection, and where will we be then?  Eliza was supposed to fix this--and she hasn’t.  I’ve said my peace and now I want to change my vote.  I vote no confidence.”

George sat as still as a statue, when he echoed her refrain...

“As for Andrew Wilcox--I too change my vote.  I vote, no confidence.”

Vincent said...

“Are you serious?  Do you know how long it took to find Andrew?  Do you know how long it took to vet him and to ensure that he’d be willing to fully participate--without question?”

Woodrow said...

“Calm, calm my friends.  We are evolved beings; far above any government.  We see the world as it truly is.  Our vantage point gives us a clearer view than most.” 

He looked at the two recanters when he said...

“Now is not the time for doubt.  We have chosen our man--and we will stand by him--until the decision is no longer a prudent consideration.”

“But why not consider ending our association now?  How can we move forward with Andrew?”  George directed his question at Woodrow. 

The older man said...

“We will do it because we can.”

Berta shouted...

"But we didn’t agree to this.”

Berta had been referring to the murders.  She continued.

“We all agreed that Andrew was our man, but we didn’t agree to sanction actions that we as a group did not pre-approve.  We did not give him permission to pay for Tollin to be murdered.  If he did that--imagine what he’ll do, when he’s in the White House.”

“He will do as he is told.”  Woodrow flatly said, but Berta disagreed.  She shook her head while saying...

“Andrew may not have pulled the trigger, but he is unquestionably a murderer by extension.”

Morpheus held his tongue, to avoid his usual jarring match with Berta.  Typically, by now he would have cut her down, belittling her until she cowered, giving way to him and the older members belonging to the group.  But that had been then, and now was now; and he couldn’t downplay the truth.

Woodrow plainly said...

“Berta, you have had your say, as well as George.  Now it is time to hear from the others.  Eliza--tell us what you have learned.”

Eliza trained her focus on Woodrow, more than the others.  She used him as her focal point because she felt like she was still playing catchup.  Not more than three hours ago, she’d been with Bolden, trying to explain that she had to leave and she didn’t know when she would return.  She’d endured his hurt expression and her heart had broke a thousand ways.  When she stepped out of the limo to board the plane, he had touched her and she could still feel his hands caressing her neck and shoulder.  She didn’t dare look at Morpheus because she’d crossed the line and she wouldn’t turn back; not like she’d done when it came to Tollin.  Their breakup had sent him spiraling out of control and his depression had caused the problem.  Tollin had pushed too far and the death of her ex-lover had frustrated their plans.

Eliza spoke using a professional tone.

“Governor Andrew Wilcox understands the complexities in this situation and he is cooperating.  His sister is doing her best, and she’s living on the governors ranch because its secure and she isn’t hounded by the press.”

Woodrow said...

“Are there any factors that we haven’t discussed here?”

Berta shouted...

“Why are we skirting around the obvious?  What good is Andrew’s cooperation, if she isn’t telling him what to do to make this story go away!  Who cares about his sister and the Press.  Gloria Wilcox-Randolph isn’t important--and eventually, her name will fall into obscurity.  American’s have the attention span of a gnat--and given time, they won’t remember Gloria or Amy Randolph.  Woodrow--don’t you get it?  Eliza either can’t or she won’t help us.  You choose--but I’m betting that the answer is that she can’t help us.  This problem is way above her head, and we need to move forward, instead of standing still.  As it pertains to Andrew; I vote no confidence.  Also...I vote that she leaves!  She isn’t one of us and clearly--she doesn’t have the resources to redirect the coming storm.”

“Calm...Calm, Berta.  Please...allow Eliza time to understand the topic.”

Berta spat back...

“What’s there to understand?  We all know what has to be done.  We need to pull back...tighten our reins and that includes expelling Eliza.  Morpheus made promises and I have yet to see the results.  Months have passed, and she is no closer to ending this, than she’d been when she’d first joined us.  I vote, no confidence and I vote for the expulsion of Eliza.  Who else supports my vote?”  George stood, directing his attention on Woodrow--his mouth had been poised to open when Morpheus gained his notice and he said.

“Sit the fuck down George...and shut your fucking mouth.  That goes for you too Berta.”

The room fell quiet when Morpheus continued.

“Excuse my outburst.”  He'd directed his eyes on Woodrow, then he inclined his head.

“Thank you for restoring order Morpheus.  And now that the floor is clear...I will ask If Eliza has more to add.”

Eliza shook her head...

“No...I’m sorry but I don’t.  The sources that are fueling this story aren’t directly connected to the governor and if we allow this time to play itself out; in the end, I feel certain that the Governor will remain in the clear.”

Woodrow said...

“The aim is to introduce a candidate with a past that will not distract from his objective” 

Woodrow leaned into his words when he said...

“How close are we Eliza?  Have you dealt with Andrew’s mistress and that woman who claims that he fathered her child.”

Eliza sighed when she said...

“I’ve located Merna Blanch, she’s the woman with the son--and sir, he’s the spitting image of Andrew.  We’re still working on that...but the outlook is promising.  As for Patricia DeMonte’...I’ve got a promising lead on her current location.  I should have something by the time we meet again.”

“Time people....”  Woodrow scanned their faces.  “Time.  That is a commodity that we need...but we aren’t solvent in that area.” 

Woodrow looked at Eliza when he said...

“Do you think that you can clear this up in two weeks?”

“I don’t know.  I just don’t know.  I’ve got a feeling that Patricia is out of the country.  I’m working on that.”

Woodrow said...

“People...Andrew must appear squeaky clean when he steps before the cameras announcing his bid for the presidency...and we’re running out of time.  We must sure up this ship...because these leaks are slowing our progress.”

Maxwell said...

“Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way.  The mistress and Andrews illegitimate kid aren’t the real problems...and I believe that in time, Eliza will work out a deal that will ensure their silence.  As I see it, Joplin is the linchpin.  If we get rid of him...”

Morpheus interrupted him saying...

“No...killing Joplin isn’t the answer.  However, I do have a list of people that we might consider as potential targets.  Currently, there are two families supporting Marisela Pettier in her pursuit of the truth.  Eliza has been helpful in this area, and she reports that the Delors and Prescott’s have helped in a variety of ways”

Berta’s eyes grew wide when she said...

“Really!  Are you serious?  Are you suggesting that we remove them from the equation?  We can't kill our way out of this problem!  We all aren't murderers like you.  If your sister were here...she would agree with me."

He glared at her, expressing his warning.  They all knew not to mention his sister, yet Berta had chosen to cross that line.  He reined in his anger, deciding to focus on the problem and not the bane of his existence.  Amateurs he thought to himself and he regretted the day that he'd agreed to grandfather Berta in after her father died unexpectedly due to a skiing accident.  Morpheus bit back his remark because in his sentence he’d planned to call her a sanctimonious cunt; but he didn’t want to offend Eliza.  He’d save that insult for another time. 

Instead, his tone elicited the same fear one would experience when stumbling unexpectedly upon a venomous snake.

"Berta...cut that shit out.  You know as well as any of us--there is only one way out of this group.  Death.  So as a reminder; don’t ever let me hear the word Eliza and expulsion spoken in the same sentence.  This warning also extends to the mentioning of any member of my family...  Don’t fucking reference them; not by their names, or by referring to them in general terms.  Don’t allude to them.  Leave them out of your wisecracks or any other bullshit dreamt up in that peanut of an organ you so lovingly call your brain.  Just don’t do it again...and if you forget--I can promise you...you won’t like the consequences of an unwise lapse in your memory.”