The Trial

Chapter 24 - Edited

I'm getting settled into my new office, and left clear instructions that I'm not to be disturbed under threat of death. This is the first time I've had a chance to be alone with Rabbi Solomon and my driver, who has remained my driver, since getting the news. It hasn't quite sunk in that I'm one of the most powerful people on Earth, but I'm getting there.

You may be adjusting, but I'm stuck here and growing weary of this. How long has it been since I last saw the mist? Is it months or years that I've been trapped in the body of my past without forward movement? I honestly have no idea how long it's been, and wonder what they're waiting for.

This must be their idea of humor as they laugh from their hidden places. I know you're there. I know you're watching. Stop playing games and face me. You wait for me to break. I've proven it will never happen.

None of the people outside the door are mine. I don't know who I can trust. Not all of them answer to me and I can't risk making a mistake until I've got my army. I may be untouchable, but that doesn't make me untouchable to either of them.

I've spent much of my time holding meetings with people I don't know. It's impossible to know who are loyal to which title; not that it matters, since they're loyal to the state or to the anti-revolutionaries. Neither group knows where I stand, since Rabbi Solomon has made me promise not to reveal myself. There aren't enough anti-revolutionaries to keep me alive if the truth comes out.

There are no cameras in here to record anything and should be safe to speak with my door closed, since none of three want to be overheard by spies. Rabbi Solomon's confirmed my belief we can speak freely behind the closed door. I don't trust the office, since there are places to hide recording devices, but the other two don't want their offices bugged any more than I do. Had the matter not been pressing, I never would have taken the risk without evidence to support the belief.

My voice's just loud enough for them to hear, but my eyes are on Rabbi Solomon's face. "I've done some digging on his computer. My computer. I still can't believe the monster's dead. I keep expecting him to barge in and have me shot.

"I found evidence the purge originated in this office. You knew him better than either of us. Probably better than any anti-revolutionary. Is this something he would've come up on his own?"

Rabbi Solomon's shakes his head, and speaks louder than me without fear of being heard by anyone outside my office. "No. This wasn't something he was capable of coming up with. He lacked the creativity needed to come up with such a vile thing."

I glance over to the door to ensure no one enters uninvited. "That's what I thought. Someone had to give him the idea. He didn't tell you, which means it had to be someone who didn't trust you."

He nods as he thinks things over, and speaks in an uncertain voice. "I think I know who you're talking about. I can't be certain. You know her as state driver ninety-two. The same woman who's been trying to worm her way in here."