Fall of the New Dawn

Author's note: Contains spoilers for Frank Peretti's "Prophet". Centering around the only prophecy not yet fulfilled as given by John Barrett, Jr. at the end of the novel. The one where Hiram Slater would win the election, but by a reduced margin and that he wouldn't finish out the term. If you haven't read the book, find a copy, read it and come back before continuing. You've been warned.

Hiram Slater was now the former governor of the State. Just hours earlier, he had resigned his position on the advice of his lawyers. Scandal after scandal had hit him and the office within the last three weeks. They told him there was no possible way he could be capable of performing his duties or even be trusted by the public while all this was going on. It had only been two and a half months since winning the heated election with Bob Wilson and winning another term as governor.

At the press conference, he had to address certain issues that had been running the rumor mill like crazy about him. His daughter Haley being pregnant, Martin Devin's claims of John Barrett Sr.'s death was on his orders, the woman who had come forward with serious allegations of him raping, inpregnating, and then forcing her to have an abortion while they were in college.

Hiram acknowledged Haley was pregnant and is with family out of state until she gives birth, denied Devin's claims he put out a hit on the older Barrett, all while keeping silent about the rape allegations on his attorney's advice. But just as he was leaving the podium, a process server had given him legal documents, right in front of the media. For someone who loved the press, he never had a moment where he wished they weren't there more than when he got those papers.

Then it was straight off to a hunting cabin he owned with some land two hours away. It was the only home he had now that the Governor's mansion was no longer his. Just him now, no wife or kids around. The nearest neighbor was half a mile away and town two miles away in the opposite direction, isolation at it's finest. It was almost sunset before he arrived there and opened the envelope with a feeling of dread.

In his hands were the divorce papers. His wife Ashley had left with Hyatt shortly after the election and were living with friends. She had been visited by his mistress and finally had enough. Then, all through Martin Devin's short trial, he was accused of having an innocent man killed. One who was the father of a news anchor who saw through the image Hiram had so brilliantly put up. But had maintained his innocence through to the end. That little traitor, I never would have wanted it to end like this. I could never stoop to murder. I have too much self respect to put out a hit on that old man.

In exchange for a lighter sentence and without a big trial, Devin admitted his role in John Barrett Sr's death, insisting he told Willy and his thugs to only beat up the old man until he gave up the tape. The only unedited version of Shannon DuPliese's 911 call about Hillary to still exist. He got twenty years to life while Willy and his cronies were still waiting for their trials.

He then reflects at the thought of his remaining daughter Haley being pregnant. That Wednesday afternoon he came home to confront her after getting the call from Ashley. She was shocked that he already knew, he only told her when asked only two little words, "It's Wednesday". It was worse than anything he ever had with Hillary. No matter what he tried to convince her to terminate the pregnancy, she stood her ground and refused.

"You never cared about any of us! You were never home, always out and about 'for the people' when you have no idea what's going on under your own roof! Face it, to you, we are nothing but decorations to bolster your so called image!" It was then in a fit of anger, he slapped her in the face, causing her to land on the floor. Luckily, she landed on her rear end and not her stomach.

Hiram then realizing the effects of what he had done, then tries to appeal to Haley's sensitive side. Helping her up and onto the couch, he reminds her she had a future and that a baby would greatly hinder the opportunities that laid ahead of her. It was the same line he gives to justify abortion. Never had he ever spoken at or even hosted an event that endorsed adoption.