PARKER | Dark H.S. AU

xliii. you don't say

Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2014

Harry sinks on his seat at the back of the auditorium along with other people he doesn't care to know. The slope structure of the bleachers provides everyone a good view of the stage without being bothered by heads in front of them. He finally got rid of Nina Riley, the obnoxious med student who doesn't ever shut up. In fact, he had already forgotten her and their previous meeting.

His eyes are a twinkling green with specks of brown around them beneath the lighting inside the large room, his gaze directed to the yet empty stage covered with a pair of blue curtains flowing from the rafter.

He eases himself into the seat, although his posture is stiff and firm. Slow, soft music blares inside the room to take everyone's mind off for a few moment as performers prepare at the backstage.

His gaze scans the room in attempts to catch even just a glimpse of Parker, but he leans back to his seat when he only sees young faces of students and preoccupied professors -- none has the quality, nor the air around them to commit a crime as simple as theft...much less, a bloody murder.

The clock ticks by, just waiting for Parker's anticipated arrival. His heartbeat picks up and skin crawls, his grip around his camera growing tighter just at the thought of seeing his face...finally.

As if his wish has just been answered specifically, the entrance door from the very back opens just in time. Heads turned to its direction, Harry's sight follows the audience's lines of vision just as the master of ceremony runs to the stage with a microphone in hand to do the introductions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us acknowledge the arrival of our dear honorary guest, the biggest sponsor of research and extension services in our department, Mr. Bernard James Parker." The name that was mentioned reverberate inside Harry's ears, mocking him several times until it sinks in his mind.

Harry's eyes narrow down into slits, zooming into the man clad all in black suit, tie and pants. He stands out amongst everyone around him like a sore thumb. The man seems very important as his entourage all in shades of black as well remains stoic and assertive, guarding and walking close to him. He's the only one whose grin turns wider at the mention of the cursed name, waving at everyone in the audience as he acknowledges their attention. Cameras flash, claps and hollers are all dedicated to him.

He looks just like a celebrity...a fake one who doesn't deserve even a bit of recognition.

Harry, however, remains unfazed and stern as he stands amidst the commotion, glaring at the man in black. He could see the devious and shrewd man beneath the pomp, the smooth superficial exterior. He hoists his camera in front of himself, snapping one or two pictures of Parker. He looks at the pictures taken, studying the image up close. The man stands tall and buff. The wrinkles on his face and greying hair that emanates from their roots are marked by the many years that passed his life. The opulent suit arrayed on his body signifies the wealth he was able to acquire over the years, dark agenda hidden behind the silly grin and crinkling eyes. Sadly, Harry is the only person in the room who is able to detect this observation. Everyone, aside from him, gawks at Parker as if he is some saint who was able to perform thirty miracles.

At long last, the audience is asked to to take their respective seats. Harry watches closely to where Parker deems comfortable to sit on -- right in the front row. His guards wait patiently and almost automatically for their boss to take a seat. He continues to wave at the people around even as he sits down, smiling at them and loving the extra attention.

The room falls silent. The blue curtain is drawn. The program starts.

With hurried and stealthy steps, Harry exits the auditorium, grasping the picture in his hand and clutching the camera in the other.