The Followings of a Red Beret

The Fox

Wednesday, June 12th

RC Finances was pegged as the leading sponsor for future innovations in England and throughout Europe. It wasn't the beginning of new age, it was a slur, a memory of an old era. Major technological and scientific advances happened during the 20th century. That all lulled as the new millennia rolled on in. It seemed ideas were lacking nowadays. Sitting on my desk were some papers, all proposing business deals with my company. I had sifted through all of them a few minutes ago. There wasn't much of interest .The same boring companies wanting the same boring stuff. Nothing worth supporting. 

There was a soft knock on the door and instantly I recognize it as the new secretary, Marin, who else would disturb me at this time of day? "Come in." I tell her. She walks in swiftly, talking about something... something along the lines "Sir.... there's someone here to see you". I pay no attention to her, but rather the person behind her. A dark lean figure that seemed simultaneously here and not. There may have been slight quiver in Marin's voice before she left but that passes me by. My eyes were trained on the dark person she had left. Oddly, Marin didn't seem to notice his existence. Strangely, his image was hazy too, and as I tried to focus on him more the details, they slipped again. When Marin's out of the view, the dark being shifts His focus on me. And suddenly His image is crisp like the morning dew. My companion was a tall dark cloaked man; His hood covered his face, but that didn't matter, it simply personified the dark aura around Him. Forcing him a smile I offer him a seat. There is no answer, but he takes the chair next to me anyway. Well at least he seems to be somewhat responsive.

Having no idea how to deal with the guest, I go on to talk with him about the usual business affairs. The schemes, the plots, the whole spiel. I mean why else would this man visit the president of a financial group. "...Business is as usual: checking the market rates, plotting against rival companies. Mind you, Seiwa's influence over in Europe is steadily increasing over the past decade. The new infatuation with everything Japanese. So the plan is to either crush it while we're still ahead, or strike a deal with them. RC finances has, of course made a pact with them. It was silly to compete with Seiwa that long. If you're a leader of a company, you have to put pride on the line and consider what would produce the most stable future."

There's not even a peep from Him." Oh and there's some paperwork on my desk: something about the new cargo that came in, and needing permission for shipment. Well, we'll see about that. President of Renard - DuCorbeau Finances isn't just a title, you can't be a pushover. You know what I mean?" I say, making my yet another attempt to amuse my so called guest. The figure across from me seems impervious to anything I've said for the past half-hour. There was definitely something strange about Him. He hasn't uttered a word since he came in. Not a sound, not creak from him. Heck, my patience was running thin for him as well. Why would Secretary Marin allow such a weird person to come in. It was her job to filter through the good ones and the bad ones. He is most certainly one of the bad ones.. (Note to self: Fire Secretary Marin as soon I'm done with this person. There are always replacements)

"So..." I begin again.

Nothing. No reaction from Him whatsoever.

Flabbergasted, I stand up, preparing to yell at this fiend to get the heck out when I see red. The figure held it up as if He knew it would trigger a reaction within me. And it does. My eyes trails down his arms to focus on the red thing he was holding. It was a small red beret, clutched loosely in the man's lap. The sight fixates me in that place. It sends trembles and cold sweat through me. Inside I make futile efforts to express that it could've been any beret. Anyone's. Then another voice resounds stating why would it matter if it were. However, with some sickening feeling I knew that it was false. My companion motions for me to sit down again. Shivers go down my spine as He slowly presses me back down my chair. His touch is cold and in His gaze I see something. The look He gives me only confirms my thoughts. He is here to find out about