Angel's Authority

Part One, Chapter Thirteen: Alderman Richard Hughes

Based on the Volition Inc.™ game: Saints Row™

EVA

The next morning, I awoke in my little apartment at first a little confused about where I actually was before I remembered again. Yesterday night, I had found a bus line that took me only a street away from the apartment and I would most likely take it back to the church because we passed it on the way.

I forced myself out of bed, put on my clothes and prepared myself a cheap instant coffee and a cheese and veggie ham sandwich. I missed Glinda's lighter than air pancakes with chocolate chips in the dough and homemade whipped cream.

I have also decided to follow up on my announcement when the Sins had offered me the heads. And living vegetarian was not that much of a challenge than most people might think.

After I had finished my humble breakfast, I brushed my teeth, washed my face and got going already after I had loaded my gun and holstered it underneath my sweatshirt. The bus came almost immediately after I had reached the stop and drove for about ten minutes before I reached the church again.

I got out of the stuffy vehicle and walked the last bit and back into the disgusting building that I so despised. I would even go as far as saying that it looked even messier than before. I found Johnny, Aisha and Playa in the back room, where Julius' office was located. The concern on their faces made me guess that nothing good had happened...

"What is it? You all look like you have seen death."

I joined them around a couple of notes and a map of Stilwater, alongside the other gangs' business ledgers.

"Playa just received a phone call..."

Aisha began talking carefully looking at the lieutenant to see whether he would take over the word. When he didn't, she continued.

"It was Alderman Hughes. He wants to meet him on his private yacht this evenin' after the elections to thank him for our efforts in takin' out the other gangs. And to discuss to release Julius..."

I felt my eyes growing bigger with every additional piece of information that she offered.

"That's..."

I began but Playa finished my sentence for me.

"...Unexpected."

Yes, indeed. I didn't know this Alderman Hughes personally but I have seen his posters. A sophisticated, middle-aged man with grey hair only on the sides of his head and a little more fuller than I was for example.

His campaign also seemed extremely promising from what I have heard of people on the bus today and yesterday: Abolish sin and disorder, keep the gangs in check and restore order and stop corruption within the police force.

"Can we trust him?"

I asked immediately, probably speaking what was on everyone's mind.

"He's a politician, of course we cannot trust him!"

Johnny intervened before anybody else could say anything.

"Yeah, I agree with Johnny..."

Playa began talking.

"...but I'll go anyways..."

What? Was I hearing correctly?

"...I'd rather have to strike a deal with some power-hungry politician than havin' to risk my people's lives for gettin' Julius outta prison."

Was Playa actually proposing something rational?

"Are you actually proposing something rational?"

I asked him with all sincerity. That I would hear something as thoughtful as that from his mouth surprised me immensely.

"I guess I am."

Was all that he replied.

"But ya cannot possibly go alone! If he double-crosses ya, what are ya supposed to do on ya own? I bet he has a number of men to protect him."

He nodded slowly, taking in Aisha's concerns.

"That's why I'll take Eva with me, make her pose as my girlfriend or somethin'."

Wait, what?!

"Hold on a second, you could just as well take Aisha! I don't want to be anyone's girlfriend."

"Yeah but they don' know ya. They would actually buy it since Aisha is first of all a known Saint, a public persona whose life is an open book and Gat's girlfriend. He would twist my neck, if would try to kiss her..."

"Don't think that I won't!"

I interfered but nonetheless got his point. If that was the sacrifice I'd have to make, I'll take it. To get Julius out and finally be able to talk to him. Confront him about the two people who shot me down.

"But alright. We just have to come up with a possible outcome of the evening and all we got to do is wait now, really."

And so we did...