The Depth of His Depravity

Chapter 4 - Severed Losses

I awake from my slumber, that, while it felt like forever, also felt like no time at all had passed.

I roll over to check my alarm clock.

*8:30 AM*

I get up and get dressed, putting on a fancy suit, pants and shoes. As well as putting gel in my hair and separating it. Gazing into the mirror, my mind drifting of all the possible scenarios that could occur today.

I head on downstairs where I find Matthew the most anxious I've ever seen him in my life.

"So, how are you holding up, Matt?" I ask, not really wanting the answer and really just trying to fill the silence.

"Honestly? Not that great. This is the first time that I am legitimately doing this without dad." Matthew mopes somberly.

"Don't worry, Matthew. I'll do my best to help out." I say, trying to comfort him.

"Are you sure this is still a good idea though, Jensen? There are likely to be doubts about both of our mental states given recent events. Given how brutal things can be in politics. I wouldn't be surprised if other rival companies attempted to use this situation to their advantage and try to take our position away."

Admittedly, Matthew has a pretty good point. This wouldn't be the first time a company has attempted to discredit us, though using mental illness as the means of it is a relatively new one all things considered.

"Maybe so." I say, taking a sip of my coffee, while trying not to let on how hot it is. "But we can't let on how much we're hurting."

"If you say so." Matthew says shrugging his shoulders.

"So. When exactly is the meeting?" I ask.

"In around a couple hours. 10:00 AM to be exact."

"Why exactly are we meeting at a cafe?" I ask.

"Apparently one of the members of the board owns the place and can get rid of everyone so it's only us."

"Great." I say

That sounds slightly suspicious, though I don't bring it up. I don't exactly feel the safest with no one else to act as witnesses.

Whatever, I'm probably just paranoid, I mean, I've been in half a dozen Arcon meetings and nothing has really come of it.

Besides, it would be rather idiotic to go and kill off more members of the Arcon Board, as it would only point more suspicion their way.

After an hour or so of getting ready and stressing, we head towards the cafe. My mind racing through all of the different scenarios.

We finally arrive after what seemed like an eternity at the cafe.

I hear a warm, friendly voice as soon as I enter the building that instantly eases every single one of my fears.

"Jensen, Matthew! It's been forever since I've seen you!" Standing before me is my father's old friend, Dominic. He's wearing a blue jacket and a black shirt and black dress pants, he also has balding dark hair, a full black beard and ghost white skin.

He quickly runs to us and hugs us both, something that's both comforting and painful - seeing as he's squeezing us so hard I felt like a rib was going to break.

Throughout all the depressing shit that has happened, seeing a friendly face is a welcome change.

After his crushing embrace, he steps back and turns to sympathy, "I'm truly sorry for all that has happened recently. Your father was a good man."