"Well, Mr. Justice, I do indeed have a question for you."
"Ka0s." I glanced to Grandpa and Cody. Then we all turned back to the screen.
Grandpa nodded.
Justice Howard was shaking. The host motioned to his production crew. Howard was a middle-aged man of about fifty: short salt and pepper hair, stocky build, brown eyes, wearing a navy blue designer suit with a smoky gray tie.
"What do you want?" Howard brushed his hands across his pants.
"What do I want? Well, let's see...great question by the way. I thought the caller asked the questions on this program? I guess you make your own rules. So I can understand the confusion, Justice. See, here's the thing...I happen to know the reason you did what you did." Ka0s paused and the host stared at Howard, mouthing 'I'm sorry' repeatedly. Howard held his hand up to stop him. He attempted to look composed, but even a child could see he was scared shitless.
"But..." Ka0s drew out his syllables. "Well...I want to hear you tell everyone. Don't want to spoil anything for our viewers."
"I did what I did because it was in the best interest of the..."
"Enough!" The host and Howard flinched in their seats at his outburst. Ka0s quickly composed himself and returned to a slow drawl. "Perhaps, since you're a...what word am I looking for...umm, coward. Maybe, just maybe, I should give you a little incentive, Your Honor."
Muffled screams of a woman and boy rang through the TV speakers.
"Shh, we're on national television. You can't be screaming in my ear like that, dear. I tell you what, Your Honor. I don't know how you hear yourself speak at home with these two loud mouths yapping constantly."
Howard jumped from his seat. "Suzanne! Mikey! Are you okay?"
"Oh, they're just fine, Your Honor. I'm keeping them entertained. This show on the TV we are watching is just delightful."
"You son of a bitch. You had better not touch a hair on their..."
"Shut. Your. Mouth. How does it feel? You don't like not being in control, do you? It hurts to see the things you love being threatened, doesn't it?"
Cody's hand was soft as it intertwined with mine. I squeezed back, a little too hard. All three of our hearts pounded as we watched the events play out.
"This man is a monster. I can't watch this." Grandpa grabbed the plates and stalked into the kitchen.
I couldn't peel my eyes from the screen. The fork on my plate rattled back and forth as I pawed at it, trying to grab hold.
"Now. Do you care to amend your answers to our gracious host this evening?"
"I haven't said anything I don't believe in. You're trying to coerce me into convincing people your agenda is legitimate. It's disgusting. You're a sociopath."
"Oh, no. You see, Your Honor. It's unfortunate that you feel that way. Being blind to reality is a bad thing. Greed seems to have clouded your reality. I think it's time we brought you down from the clouds though. You see, the people, they want accountability. They want to know the real reason you voted to strip them of their freedom. They will get the truth. And if you don't give it to them, well, I'm going to, umm, carve up your wife. Right in front of your son. And he's going to know that it was all daddy's fault. For the rest of his life. Sure, he may believe whatever story you tell him for now, but one day...one day, Your Honor...see, he's gonna get curious. He's going to start digging, and researching. What's he going to find? See that's the beauty of this ordeal, I only have to kill one person, but you will lose two. It's like a sale." Ka0s' sinister laugh rang through the phone and the speakers of millions of viewers.
"You're a monster. I don't deserve this."
"Oh, but you do. It's our decisions in life that define us. You have a chance to make things right with the world. Now go on. Tell 'em. Tell 'em, tell 'em." Horror ran through my body in waves, in time with his evil laugh.
Screams and thrashing on the other end of the line had me cringing. Ka0s screamed at the woman in the background. The boy whimpered.
There was rustling on the line and Ka0s picked up the phone. "Sorry about that. Nag nag nag, how do you put up with her? She just never shuts up, does she?"
I could picture Ka0s on the other end of the line smiling. He loved holding power over people. He got his rocks off beating women and kids.
"Okay, okay." Howard's face was red. He clutched it in his palms. "Please, just don't hurt them. Please take my son out of the room. I'm begging you."
"Ohh begging. That's good. Don't beg to me though. You beg the people for forgiveness for what you're about to tell them."
There was a lull.
"Well go on, beg them."
Howard looked into the camera screen. Huge tears and regret filled his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry."
"What did he do?" Cody's fists clenched on the table.
"Oh man, your face is priceless." Kaos could barely speak through the laughter. "Mikey, come here. You gotta see this buddy. You have to see your dad. I think he's pissing his pants." Ka0s continued to laugh as Mikey's cries grew louder.
"Say hi to daddy."
"H-hello?" The boy sounded scared for his life. I wanted to choke that fucking clown until he died in my hands.
"Son! Are you okay? Is he hurting you?"
"No. He kicked mommy."
"It's going to be okay. I promise buddy. I promise." Howard cried at the sound of his son's voice.
"Tell them!" Anger grew in Kaos' voice. "You look in that camera and you tell your son what you did."
"I'm sorry, son. I'm sorry." He looked at the screen. "I, I, was paid to issue an opinion on the ruling."
The host gasped, Cody and I along with him. Grandpa was still in the other room. He refused to come in and watch.
"That's better...And what on earth did you receive? Surely, it was something spectacular, if it was worth subjugating the population's liberty? What did you get in return, Your Honor?"
"I, I received tuition for my son's school, ten million dollars in government contracts for my company, and a few various gifts from political donors."
"But, but, how did you get government contracts? Isn't that some kind of conflict of interest? I mean, I'm not a lawyer, but I didn't know you could do that?"
"The Senate attached it to a bill a few weeks ago, and..."
"Go on."
"They passed it through during a busy news week. It received little coverage in the media."
"Well, there you have it folks. Your hard-earned tax dollars at work. The very courts...those who take oaths to uphold the law, provide a check against congress, well, they all just sit back and laugh at you. They mock you and do as they please. They abuse the power you gave them. Now, if you'll excuse me, Your Honor. I have some guests to entertain. Mikey, Mikey, buddy, you may want to step back a little. This might get a little messy."
Mikey shrieked. The dial tone rang through the phone for the nation to hear. Howard fell to his knees on the set of the interview, the host still staring in disbelief. The program immediately cut to commercial. Cody turned and stared at me, neither of us knowing what to say.
JUSTICE HOWARD’S WIFE SLAIN ON LIVE TELEVISION
BY: JIM BRISTOL
CAPITOL CITY - The wife of Justice Howard was found in their home in a suburb of Capitol City last evening. Millions witnessed an exchange between Howard and Ka0s on national television shortly before the killing occurred. The details are being withheld due to their graphic nature. Howard’s son witnessed the killing and is cooperating with authorities. Minutes before it happened, Howard admitted on national television under threat of harm to his family, that he accepted various forms of consideration in exchange for his opinion on the case. He has resigned and is currently being held in protective custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation pending an investigation. Public sentiment is mixed, many people decrying the killing of Howard’s wife, but also believe Howard should be held accountable for his actions. Many are calling for his prosecution.
Despite the killings, the number under Ka0s’ influence see
ms to have grown and the rioting has spread to the Capitol and across major metropolitan areas in the United States. Curfews have been installed in some cities along with some jurisdictions banning the white makeup worn by Ka0s’ followers. The National Guard has been deployed to several areas in order to help restore peace and curb violence. It seems to have had little effect and has bred more distrust. Ka0s has released several propaganda videos, showing police brutality coupled with a message of liberation, and in some instances, anarchy. He is urging his followers not to give in and not to relinquish their freedoms. He maintains they have every right to riot and bring justice to those who seek to steal from them and their families. We will keep you updated as the story progresses.
"You two need to get out of this house and go on a date. Seriously. That's what he wants. He wants people hiding in fear. He preaches freedom, but it's all about control." Grandpa was livid, clanging dishes into the dishwasher.
"I don't know. It's pretty bad out there." Cody frowned.
"Bunch of damn hoodlums and thugs. No respect for people's property."
I sat and watched Grandpa's passion as he spoke about the riots. They'd spread through the city like a wildfire and while it was relatively safe during the day, night was a completely different story. Cabin fever was setting in. We'd been cooped up in the house for a week. Cody being there at night meant I couldn't get out, couldn't get any work done. I was worried about my business interests. I'd postponed meetings all week and investors didn't like uncertainty.
They also didn't like being blown off as their assets were being ransacked by thugs in makeup.
"I really need to take some business meetings today, and yes, a date would be nice."
I smiled at Cody, trying to win him over.
"I don't have a good feeling about it."
I knew he was scared and I didn't want to emasculate him. He was far too kind, and after the beating he had taken who could blame him? I had to remind myself he wasn't used to this kind of situation. He'd grown up in a happy home and lived a normal childhood. Some of us weren't afforded that luxury.
"Come on...It'll be fun." I begged him.
Grandpa mumbled to himself. I caught something about the younger generations and ungrateful bastards. He was obviously still caught up in thinking about the riots.
"We could go out to lunch, or for a walk?"
I could see the apprehension, but convinced myself it would be good for him. Being stuck in the house kept me thinking of what I'd done, the secrets I was keeping. My fingers were starting to bleed from picking at them.
"Fine, but we need to get back before the sun sets."
My heart raced. A million ideas popped into my head.
"I'll go get ready." I squeaked and clapped my hands together. Jesus, Maggie. Maybe you're a girl after all.
Grandpa turned to Cody, intent on keeping him in a state of perpetual fear.
"Now, I know you need to get out of the house in principle. But you take care of that girl. She's all I've got."
"I swear, sir. I won't let anything happen to her."
"Mmmhmm." Grandpa gave him the stink eye.
I walked up to my bedroom and stripped, rifling through my closet. I needed something that would be good for an afternoon date, but could also pass as business attire in case I needed to meet with clients.
I settled on a pair of black slacks and a light sweater. The chill air from the ceiling vents felt amazing against my warm skin, but I quickly noticed the bruises and cuts on my body. I'd managed to conceal my facial injuries from Cody, but what if things went to the next level? The thought of it brought up everything else I was hiding. I wanted to crawl into a corner and die. How could I tell him though? In my mind it was unforgivable. It would bring everything to a crashing halt. The old fucker is right. I didn't want it to end though. I'd never had a fairy tale romance. While this was anything but a normal way to start a relationship, it was the closest I'd ever come to one. I couldn't risk it.
Grandpa whistled as I walked out to greet two of my three favorite men.
"Looking good, sweetie."
Cody gazed at me as I came down the stairs and grandpa stared him down.
"Don't get any bright ideas, boy."
"Yes sir." Cody straightened up real fast.
"Grandpa. Be nice." I slapped him on the shoulder.
"I'll be watchin' ya."
Cody's face went pale.
"Come on." I wrapped my arm around Cody's. "Don't listen to him."
"Four medals in 'Nam. I've killed dozens for far less."
Grandpa chuckled to himself at the table.
"Oh my God, he was a hippie, let's go." I grabbed Cody by the hand as he stared back in horror at grandpa. Grandpa gestured like he was cocking a shotgun and pointing it at him.
Autumn was beginning to show its face in Bathory as we strode to the car. The trees were changing colors and it was beautiful.
"Thank you." He always looked mesmerized when he stared at me. I could get used to it.
"Umm...you're welcome. Not sure what I did."
"Thank you for taking care of me."
The words made my skin crawl. Somehow, I managed a fake smile.
"You're welcome."
Cody stood in awe when he saw the garage for the first time.
"Sorry, I have a thing for sexy cars." I smiled.
"I should say so. Hope you don't have this same fetish for sexy men."
I blushed.
"Which one should we take?"
"Man, what a nice problem to have." Cody looked around like a little boy in a toy store.
"What's that?"
"Deciding what to drive. It must be exhausting."
I slapped his shoulder, gently. He grabbed it and frowned.
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry."
I started to kiss his cheek, hesitating before moving to the other instead.
"It's hideous, isn't it?" He looked away.
"What?" I tried to play it off.
"You know what."
His face warmed my fingers as they ran along the stitches. I stared at the closed wound running from the corner of his mouth up his cheek.
"It's not hideous. Nothing about you is hideous. You're perfect. Please, do not let this change you. There aren't a lot of good people left in the world. Trust me, I know."
"You're not so bad yourself." His hand in my hair sent a shudder down my spine.
What should have been the ultimate compliment was like a knife in an open wound. I rocked back on my heels, but feigned a smile. I kissed him apprehensively.
"Are you going to choose?"
Cody's grin grew wider and it made me happy to finally see those perfect white teeth again.
"Mustang." He nodded at the Shelby.
"Ohh...A great choice." I grinned and grabbed the keys.
Walking up to it, the light perfectly reflected its lines and curves. It was white with blue racing stripes running bumper to bumper. I brushed my hand along the cowled hood. The rocker panels were painted blue with "GT500" in white lettering. I started to get in when Cody shouted, "Wait!"
He walked over to my side of the car, staring at me with a look of contempt. My stomach tightened and my lips pursed, wondering what I'd done wrong. His eyes beat down on me as he neared and then reached out for the door handle and opened it.
"One day you'll learn."
I felt lighter than the air I breathed. He opened my door as I floated down from the clouds. Chivalry isn't dead after all. It all came crashing down as he walked around the car. And I'm going to lose him. I promised myself as soon as this ordeal with Kiril was finished I would come clean, tell him everything. If he would just listen to me he'd realize my intentions were pure. He was a kind and reasonable man who always thought everything through. I clung to any bit of hope I could muster.
When Cody sat down in the car I could see the anticipation in his eyes as I inserted the key into the ignition.
"So, what are we working with here?
If you know your cars and didn't just buy it because it's pretty." There was a cocky, humorous tone to his voice. If it were anyone else I would show them pretty, but I playfully dropped my jaw and my eyes narrowed.
"Four hundred and twenty-eight cubic inches, four on top tranny, aluminum intake, zero to sixty in six point five seconds, three hundred and fifty-five base horsepower, four hundred and twenty foot pounds of torque, and it gets an eco-friendly nine to eleven miles per gallon." I looked over at him and smiled. "We'll be getting seven today."
Cody's mouth dropped and he adjusted in his seat.
I fired her up. The garage walls shook in rhythm with the raw power that awoke under the hood. The red brake lights illuminated the wall behind us as the car rumbled in neutral.
"If it were stock." I glanced to the surprised look on his face.
I shifted into first gear and assaulted the gas pedal. Releasing the clutch, the tires squealed as we blew past the garage door and down the drive. Cody gripped the seat tight with his right hand. He gripped my forearm with his left, cutting off circulation to my arm.
It hurt like hell, but it sent a wave of heat down between my thighs.
"So, what's really under the hood?" He tightened his grip.
"A little supercharged upgrade." I hammered the gas to the screams of the engine.
I sped into the first curve, jerking us sideways. Cody grunted. I could feel the force taking a toll on his body. He still smiled like a child on Christmas morning. I hit a turn going the other direction and Cody brushed against my shoulder.
"Holy shit." His breaths were short.
The car roared down the hill, kicking up dust and rocks as we swept through each curve, the impressive skyline growing larger every second.
"What do you want to do today?" The motor rumbled as I grinned in his direction.
"Run away with you." He smiled.
He always said the perfect things. I had the same wish in my mind and even contemplated it briefly, before snapping back to reality.
"I'm serious."
"How about...a light lunch, maybe a cruise through the countryside in this beast?" He tapped on the dashboard like he'd made a new best friend.
The Matriarch: An Erotic Superhero Romance (The Matriarch Trilogy Book 1) Page 18