DIVIDED ALLEGIANCE

SHADOWS OF POWER

"America is our country, our home, our root and our end. Together we shall stand to make it a better place for us all, together we shall strive to the top and rule the WORLD," Senator Fabian concluded his speech with an authoritative shout, his two hands spread wide in the air.

Shouts and claps erupted as the audience chanted his name in admiration.

"Senator Fabian, senator Fabian," the crowd continued their hailing, pumping their hands into the air.
Senator Fabian smiled and waved in return, countless guards and military securities attending him, ensuring he remained at a distance from the enthusiastic crowd.

They paved a way for him through the throng, guarding and accompanying him to his limo parked outside the stadium.

Even with numerous able-bodied security men surrounding him, he couldn't walk past the frenzied press as they hurled countless questions at him.

"Mr. Senator, what is your plan regarding the current women and girls' kidnapping?" a determined journalist called out, one of the many ready to do anything for a moment with him.

"Mr. Senator, the victims' families are requesting an audience with the government. What is your response to this?"

Different questions rained down, but he offered no reply. The two bouncers beside him effectively maintained a strict distance between him and the almost aggressive journalists.

Just as he was about to step into his limo, something made him halt. Something compelled him to look back. He scanned the journalists' faces, trying to discern who had uttered the words that stopped him.
As if the journalist anticipated his action, he repeated the same question from earlier.

"At least answer one question, Mr. Senator. What is your relationship with the past apprehended governor... Governor Daniel?" he repeated, holding his gaze pointedly and intensely.

Senator Fabian revealed no expression. He simply turned back and entered his waiting limousine.

"To the Senate house," he instructed his chauffeur, who bowed respectfully.

"Yes, Senator."

"What was all that about?" he asked calmly, adjusting his suit, his gaze fixed ahead.

The man beside him, Alexander, swallowed hard before replying. "I have no idea, sir," he said with a slight bow.

Fabian turned his gaze slowly to him.

"Am I being spied on?" he inquired, tilting his head questioningly.

"That can never happen, sir. I always ensure that," Alexander said assuredly.

Senator Fabian stared at the man closely for several moments before averting his lingering gaze.
A heavy silence descended.

"Alexander,"

"Yes, Senator?"

"Tell him we are staying low for now," he said with his usual calm demeanor, rubbing his index finger on his chin.
"Okay, Senator. I will make sure to relay your message to him,"

Alexander replied with a fervent nod.
"Turn back," he ordered, his voice filled with authority and power.
The chauffeur, upon receiving the order, abruptly slammed on the accelerator, causing them to jerk forward.
"Apologies, Senator."
"To my estate," he replied simply before picking up his phone to make a call.

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"You need to rein in your wife, Rodriguez. She's been digging in places that could get her killed. Sending Delgado to prison wasn't enough; now she's trying to ruin you too," the voice seethed through his phone.