The September Outcome

Chapter 21: Warfare

 The election campaigns were well in swing now, and the three candidates were terribly anxious that all of them would win. Sloan, to an even bigger extent. The fliers were for Damien Sandler and Peter Ralston were great in their number but Sloan’s were greater. They held speeches which many people attended but more attended Sloan’s. Sloan was so eager to win, anybody could see it in his eyes. There was no driving force or need for him to remain as mayor it was just a job that he had grown fond of attaining. He had been mayor for so long and he couldn’t bear to give up the job. That was why the Falconis got involved, and that was why they would help him win.

 It was Dwight’s first official day as Sloan’s personal assistant. He was curious as to what exactly was going to happen or what he was going to do. At least he knew for sure that Sloan had no clue about anything Dwight was doing with Donny. The thought of the Fraternity of the Circumspect was still bogging down on his mind but he tried to brush it off. He could feel the plans being hatched all around him. True identities are something that didn’t always remain true in Karricole Falls. Dwight was trying to shake it off and focusing on picking up some stuff from Sloan as his assistant. He didn’t want to totally rely on the fraternity.

 Dwight was with Sloan that morning, clipboard in hand. They were sitting at a table in the council house as a meeting droned on. Dwight had to attend because of his position. As he drifted in out of listening, he wondered how Greer had ever done this job. He had to devote all of his time and his effort to this man and it was all very demanding. It was all in the name of a good cause was what he told himself. He wondered why Greer had left his position, he seemed very happy with it. Maybe Sloan had fired him because Dwight was a better suit for the job.

 He stared at the long endless table of men dressed in suits and ties until eventually someone said, ‘‘Meeting adjourned.’’ And suddenly everyone stood up and rushed out of the large hallway. Dwight arose and watched Sloan sit in sullen silence, his arms crossed.

 ‘‘Everything alright, sir?’’ Dwight asked with concern.

 The old man looked up at him and smirked. ‘‘Oh nothing, nothing Mathers. I am just a little wearisome after that.’’

 Dwight grinned. ‘‘Are you able for the press conference we have next? I could always rearrange it another time?’’

 Sloan stood and dusted himself down. ‘‘No, it’s perfectly alright, I am fine. Let’s get moving.’’ Dwight followed behind out of the room and out of the council house doors. A car sat outside on the block waiting for them.

 Sloan hopped inside and Dwight rushed after him. The driver wore a pristine uniform. ‘‘To the Whytewinne Hotel, sirs?’’

 ‘‘Yes, now make it quick,’’ Sloan pressed.

 The car sped down the road and through the high street as Dwight stared at the clipboard. He did not know exactly how to do everything that was asked of him. Sloan looked jittery beside him and lit a cigarette. He puffed on it for several minutes and tossed it out the window. Some ash fell on to his waistcoat and he brushed it off.

 ‘‘I’m sorry, Mr. Mathers if I seem a bit overstressed. I am just nervous, that’s all.’’

 Dwight looked at Sloan momentarily. ‘‘About what sir? If you don’t mind my asking?’’

 Sloan hesitated before continuing. ‘‘I can’t say why. I’ve been thinking about things lately and I don’t know what to think.’’

 Dwight paused. Could it be that this old man full of hatred and recklessness was beginning to see the error of his ways? Dwight was unsure of how to react; he had hated this man for so long and forced complete antagonism upon him. Could he truly have a soul? Dwight trusted his moral judgement and for now kept to the same opinion. Murderers cannot change, not for the better.