Deadly Sinner's Club

Damien Gomez

"Hi everyone, my name is Damien Gomez, I'm an attorney and I only do pro bono cases. I'm also the founder of the most successful charity organization in Concordia, The Gomez Foundation. I do a lot of work to support the poor during this food rationing crisis. We take the donations and put it all towards sourcing and delivering food for those struggling to get any. It's really important work and it's truly satisfying to know that I have changed, and even saved, lives. I just think that when-"

"Damien, Damien, Damien." Marion interrupts me, looking smug in her pantsuit. I don't know why she thinks she's above the rest of us. So she basically runs the Bank of Concordia, so what? "I think you should stop lying to all of these strangers and own up to what's really happening." Everyone around the circle is listening intently. "I am the Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of Concordia, and I think it's only fair to let you all know that 70 percent of the donations going toward Mr. Gomez's little foundation are funneled straight into his personal savings." Jaws drop and gasps are let out. Great, now I'm the enemy.

"Before you all judge me, can I tell you my side of the story?"

As I exit the stakeholder meeting at the Concordia Rationing Centre, my phone begins vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out and see a call from Chancellor Huxley's Chief of Staff, Jenna Hollins. That's the third call this week, but instead of ignoring it, as usual, I take a shot in the dark and tap the little green button.

"Hello, Mr. Gomez, it's great to finally be in touch." She chirps into my ear.

"I wish I could say the same, Miss Hollins."

"Chancellor Huxley wants a meeting with you today at half past two, 163 Spadina Avenue. Be there." She hangs up abruptly. So much for small talk. I'm left wondering what on earth the Chancellor could want with me? I guess there's only one real option when summoned by the leader of your nation.

It takes a while to find my car in the lot - I don't know why everyone's Hover XVI has to be the same egg-white. I punch the address into the GPS system and Rebecca starts talking to me right away, her robotic voice ringing through the car. Thankfully, it will only take Rebecca 11 minutes to arrive at the destination because time is running out and I don't want to keep the Chancellor waiting.

Eventually, we arrive in front of an old-fashioned restaurant called Alo. I should have recognized the address, I go here all the time with potential clients. It's the only restaurant in town that is never short on food, but it's also the most expensive. I walk up to the front desk and ring the little bell.

"Why hello, Mr. Gomez, I didn't see you on the reservation list." Candice asks. I guess I've become pretty familiar with the staff here.

"No, today I'm with Chancellor Huxley, is he on the list?" Jenna never told me if it would be under his name but I can't see why it wouldn't be.

"Ah yes, follow me; he is waiting." We wind past tables and down aisles toward the very back of the restaurant. After taking a turn down the hall, we walk up a set of stairs to the rooftop. Well this is rather fancy. As the door opens, I feel the cool breeze push past me, a sweet aroma accompanying it. Chancellor Huxley is sitting at a table, overlooking the streets around us.

"Why hello, Chancellor Huxley, it's an honour." I sit down across from him.

"Mr. Gomez, how are you?" I can tell he doesn't really care, but I choose to humour him anyway. After a bit of small talk, our salad is brought out and we eat. There's a long pause as we eat and I can't tell if it is more awkward or terrifying. About halfway through, Huxley pushes his plate away and looks at me, as if I were taking too long; I suppose it's time to talk.

"So, what's on your mind, Chancellor?" I ask.

"I'm going to be frank with you, Damien. I've been informed that you are thinking about pulling out of Dr. Priestley's research. I'd strongly advise against it. I know that he's getting very close with his research and it could really help a lot of your charity recipients."
"I get that, Chancellor Huxley, I do, but I can't be a part of that mess any longer. I've heard rumours about what's really going on - the brainwashing scheme. I asked the Doctor about it but he wouldn't confirm or deny. I cannot, in good conscience, fund a project that will take the freedom of everyone in Concordia." It's good to get that off of my chest, I just hope that Huxley feels the same way.

"All I'm saying, Gomez, is that you will not be pulling your funds. That is an order. You can funnel even more money out of your charity to do this if necessary, but that project will be completed whether you like it or not." Huxley stands up and walks over to the edge of the rooftop, leaning on the railing. I feel sick to my stomach. How does he know about the money?

"Oh, by the way," he calls over to me, "Dr. Priestley has assigned you to DSC039. He said that greed is not in your nature or some crap like that."