Define Close [Nygmobblepot]

Ch9: Liar's Most Useful Tool

Oswald's POV

I sigh, running a hand over my face as Gabe leaves the office after delivering the news. The old manor has become so familiar to me that I look up once I don't hear the heavy door close by itself as it usually does, slowly after someone has left the room. I see Ed standing at the doorway, holding it open.

"Is this a bad time?" He asks me and I force a smile on my face and lean back on my chair.

"No. By all means..." I gesture at him to come in and he does, letting the door shut. "What is on your mind, Ed?"

"I was about to ask the same." He says, clasping his hands in front of him, holding a file in them. "I sense something's not right."

"Well, it does seem like I have a.. small issue." I explain as I get up, walking around the table to a drinks cart, wondering how small is this issue, really. It's always hard to tell until the damage is done. "It could just be a coincidence. A random attack." I go on as I pour myself a drink, taking a sip from it before looking up at him. His brown eyes are curious but patient as he looks at me. "Would you like a drink?"

"No, thank you." He says politely with a small smile. "So, what is causing this distress?"

"Distress?" I repeat as I lean back against the desk, he's an observant one, truly. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if he had heard the others discussing who gets to deliver the news to me outside. I sure did. "Well, it seems that some of my men were robbed and killed last night."

At first he seems confused but I can see he's slowly making calculations about what could be happening. "Where?" He asks. "At the docks?" He guesses considering he's up to date about most things.

I nod. "Indeed." I tell him, taking another sip of my drink before pushing myself to stand up straight and walking back around the desk again, taking a seat. "So, was it random? Did someone see an opportunity to weaken me and take it or was it planned? Is someone working against me?"

"It might've been random." He says. "But it wouldn't hurt to check up on some people's dealings. Of course, if you have someone in mind."

"Please, I can't trust anyone." I mumble, looking down at the glass as I put it down. "But you're right. It's good to have a.. healthy paranoia in these things." I look up at him with a smile and he returns it. There's a small silence and I study him carefully.

"It must be exhausting, though." He says eventually. "Feeling like you can't truly trust anyone."

I shrug, smiling as I lean back. "There is no loyalty among thieves. Or politicians, for that matter."

He chuckles softly before walking over to my desk. "It just makes me think.. why now? When you're so close to winning the election.. why not wait until you're even more powerful? If it's not a random attack.. what are they after?"

"I don't know, Ed." I snap. "I haven't had much time to think and frankly, I have a lot in my mind."

"Understandable." He says immediately. "I'm sorry if someone has broken your trust. From what I've heard breaking it takes only seconds while repairing it takes forever." He says as he walks around the desk. "Feel free to interview me or check up on my doings if you feel like it, I'm willing to prove my loyalty." He goes on until he's standing next to me. "I truly am your friend, Oswald."

I smile, looking up at him. "Thank you, Ed."

"It's my pleasure." He replies before putting the file on my desk. "I just came to bring this to you."

"What is it?" I ask him as I look down at it and he leans over my shoulder, opening it and I glance at him, about to tell him I know how files work but end up losing my train of thought as I see his face so close to mine. I don't know if he registers it since his eyes are on the file but.. he must. I watch as his glasses slide down with the slightest of movement and immediately his hand that isn't resting on the back of my chair pushes them back up. As my gaze falls down to his lips I only realize he has been talking this entire time.

"...there's been a slight change in the schedule but apparently the executive isn't expected to necessarily be there unless-"

"I'm sorry, what?" I blurt out, immediately embarrassed by the fact I didn't hear a word he said but he just turns to look at me and breaks into a smile.

"Well, you did warn me that you had a lot on your mind." He says and I roll my eyes as I turn to look at the file, not daring to look him in the eye when he's so close even though his dark eyes are drawing me in.

"I'm sorry." I apologize quickly. "Would you mind starting over or is all the information in here?" I ask, scanning the first page.

"It should all be there but let me know if you need anything." He says with a light tone but stays in his place.

"Thank you, Edward." I say simply, trying to ignore the fact he's so close I can hear his breathing and I need to lean forward so I wouldn't feel his arm against my back. I turn to look at him once he doesn't move away and he stares back at me with an innocent but curious look in his eyes. This time I can't look away even though I know I should so I let myself get lost in his dark, brown eyes. Really, so lost that I don't register him moving closer until his nose brushes mine and I feel his breath against my lips. I'm so startled I probably would've jumpped away anyway but a knock from the door makes both of us snap out of it. He stands up straight and I look away just as the door opens. Gabe is back.

"What is it now?" I hiss at him.

"Good news, this time 'round, boss." He tells me. "We tracked down who was behind the attack last night."

"Who?" Ed demands immediately before I can say anything. Gabe turns to me for approval and I gesture at him to just spit it out. Why would I mind Ed finding out? I'm gonna make sure everyone knows who this traitor is and what happens to people who try and double-cross me.

"Barbara Kean and her little gang." Gabe informs me and I stare at him. Barbara Kean? That pathetic excuse for a gangster thinks she can overthrow me?

"What do you mean her little gang?" I demand.

"Apparently she has some people on her side." Gabe looks a little bit lost.

"Who?!" I yell as I stand up, slamming my palms on the desk.

"I don't know, boss." Gabe insists. "I'm guessing that tiger lady from their club and apparently Gilzean had something to do with the attack. More people too, it would've taken several people to take those men down. Must've."

"Gilzean? Butch Gilzean?" I repeat. "How is this possible?!" I yell. "Get all of them here! Now! No one gets away with this."

"Sure- uh- how?" Gabe asks and I groan in frustration. I know what Ed meant when he said he rarely feels like he's talking to an intellectual equal. I'm surrounded by morons.

"Go to The Sirens, of course!" I tell him. "And drag them here! They get to experience what happens to traitors." I spit out the last word and Gabe nods before quickly leaving the office. I sigh, letting my head hang as I'm still leaning against the desk.

"Oswald." Ed says in a calming tone and I feel him squeeze my shoulder. "This is good." He tells me and I look up at him, frowning.

"What on-"

"Isn't it?" He insists. "You caught them immediately. They didn't get further than this. Gabe and the others will get them and it's handled."

"What about everyone they had working for them?" I ask. "Cowards."

"Exactly. Cowards." He repeats. "They don't dare to do anything after you've set them an example of what happens." He smiles at me. "Trust me."

I look away before nodding slowly. "I just.. I can't believe it. I considered us.. well, if not friends, I at least we had more respect for each other than go sneaking around behind each other's backs like cowardice children."

"And that's why they'll pay." Ed assures me, giving my shoulder another squeeze before walking away and I look after him until the door closes between us. What has gotten into me? I do not let people get under my skin and on top of that I just got once again proved why. Then why has this man gotten through my heavily guarded walls and done it so effortlessly, way too easily? I can only blame myself, really. I've let him in just like that. Why? Because I wanted to. Because I wanted to so bad I couldn't help myself. I'm weak and that's why people think they can operate behind my back and slowly weaken me until there's nothing left. Well, they couldn't be more wrong.