Love and War - (Book 1)

Chapter 4 (Part 4 - Rising in Power)

Although resting in his office and the world at his feet, doing and telling people whatever he commands and knows it follows through, with nothing to go wrong has always pleased John, but now, however, he worries and fears that the Government may overthrow him. 'Perhaps I've been rather too soft with my decisions,' he ponders. Not truly knowing what others think of him (as no one in any government has ever been entirely truthful, to which John both accepts and is guilty of), he starts to suspect that his loyal followers are perhaps planning to remove him as leader. 'I've not been called to their meetings or conferences, and I am the leader of the world. I have no bloody idea what they discuss in there.'

He knows he must find out what happens during those meetings with every high member of the Government, save for John himself. But how? If he goes in there himself, they certainly won't have discussions about removing John as leader. Not even hint at it. The one thing he could do is have an inside man who tells him everything that is discussed. Unless the person gives him false information...

'I could install cameras in there. Hire someone or do it myself. And then also ask someone what is discussed. There I will find those who truly are loyal to me or are playing a shifty, long-term trick, just to play at being on my side. Nevertheless, this is a plan I must put into action,' he decides.

He starts with finding a neat spot to place his hidden camera and broadcast it to his laptop. His next plan of action would be to find an inside man. Or woman. Or multiple of. 'Bridget... I mistrust her some. I ought to ask her. And Franklin, too. Although I do feel as if he is not against me; he seems too relaxed to be. And also Toby, David and Michelle. They seem as if people I must be questioning.'

John places a hidden camera near to the back of the large, empty room. Chairs, tables, et cetera. So many objects laying around, causing the room to look significantly smaller than it should. 'Sometimes this place is just too wide. It shows how there could be too many people against me and too few on my side.' Once placed, John leaves. Each step causing another echo. He tries to exit hurriedly, hoping nobody hears the footsteps.

He reaches the bulky double doors, followed by another set. Once through them, John encounters Franklin, the one person he was hoping to meet next, just not so soon. "Good day, John," he says. John freezes. Unaware of what to say next. Not trying to seem suspicious. Distractions of numerous objects take John's glances away from Franklin's bright green eyes.
"Just... wandering around the place. Don't often get to see this part of the building, considering I am in my office... most of the time," he stutters. Although, he told the truth in his half-lie and believed all what he said himself.

Franklin was wearing his smart shirt with the black blazer and black tie; the colours of someone neutral in these wars. Green is for the Government; yellow is for the Rebels; red is for the Military. The blackness of his attire confused John some; usually a Government follower always wears a green tie. 'Perhaps my suspicions of him were rightful in that case.'

"Yeah, must be awful stuck in that damn place all the time. Probably smells of ya, too. You should return to one of the meetings. It's been weird not having you there," Franklin confesses, stroking the stubble on his face.
"Actually, Franklin, I was wondering if I could request you for something: my absence at those meetings has gotten me wondering if my position is one I should fear within my own walls. They could discuss anything in there, and I wouldn't know the half of it; all I receive are some bloody useless documents that I must do only to sign on them. It sickens and bores me. I ask for you to tell me everything they discuss about. Everything. Leave nothing out, as long as you can remember all of what is said and discussed."
"No one is conspiring against you here, John. At least not to my knowledge. And if they were, I'd hope they'd include me; I always hate getting left out."
"But you will do this for me?"
"You are our ever faithful leader, John. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you." John smirks, gives Franklin a firm handshake, and leaves him. John proceeds to tell the others his plan to find out what they're discussing, and telling each of them that they are the only ones he informs.

"And what do I get out of this?" Bridget, as unyielding as always, questions.
"Power, money, anything. I'm desperate here, please." John plays the damaged and insecure man to win her trust, hoping it works.
"Fine. For you, John." John sighs in relief in his head.
"Thank you, Bridget."

He finds Toby and David together, so decides to return to them later and to find Michelle next. Michelle then stroll round the corner and engages in conversation with the two. Feeling awkward and out of place, John attempts to make leave for his office. "John, we haven't seen you in sometime," Michelle calls out. John stops dead. "Please, speak with us again. We're all missing you." He spins around, turning to face the three.
"Yeah, John, where have you been all this time?" Toby asks.
"He's just been in his office. Why is that?" David adds.
"I don't know. If you'll all excuse for a moment," John replies and hastily leaves. He recalls one of them making a snide comment involving the toilets.

Once returned to his office, John relaxes in his chair at his bulky desk. Papers, documents and pens and pencils and other things cover the entirety of his desk. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his head in his hands. Knocking some papers on the floor unintentionally, he sighs longingly and in an agitated manner.

-Lucas-

After having smoked more weed with his former friend Oliver, Lucas leaves the room and the house, without cleaning up his vile vomit off the floor. Feeling light-headed and ill, he returns to Jordan's apartment. En route, however, he passes a restaurant. One he took James to on numerous occasions. He looks into the glass window. There. He saw it. The one thing that made him realise that his life is too messed up. James, being content and unbothered about Lucas, while Lucas, a wretched mess of a life now.

He stares longingly towards James and his new boyfriend in such antagonism, he feels as if he could even smash through the glass window right now, take a shard of glass and cut the blonde boy's throat. He only goes as far as to envision it. After the graphic depictions of multiple ways killing James' boyfriend could go down, Lucas eventually walks off again. Crying. "Fuck you," he mutters. Muttering it more and more as he makes his way back to Jordan. 'Perhaps if I were any higher, I would've gone along with the killing. Perhaps I might still.'

Drudging along, Lucas reaches Jordan's apartment. "Fuck you." He takes one step up the stairs. "Fuck you." He takes his second step. "Fuck. You. James." His third step.