The Lottery Council- Chapter XI: The Council Meeting

richq11 (72)in #fiction • 7 years ago (edited)

David had approached his sister about a loan to go for his "job interview" in Arkansas. "Are you sure you really want to live in Arkansas?" she asked. David laughed, "it's not that bad, sis. They have electricity and cars and everything now." Ann had told him that she didn't think it would be any problem, but she would have to run it by Jim first. Feeling confident, David went off to check for any new developments in his email. Later that evening Jim had a meeting of the mysterious council.

Before he left, Ann broached the subject of the loan. "Sure, no problem," Jim said. "I'll kinda miss having him around though. Can't he find anything closer to home?"

"That's what I asked him, hon, but he seems awfully interested in this offer," Ann replied.

"Just write him a check for whatever he needs, I'll still be sorry if he goes," said Jim.

With that Jim was off to his meeting. On the way he thought about David moving away. He truly was sorry, he liked David and so did the kids... he had become an integral part of the family- kooky ideas and all. When he arrived he found Leyland and Metzger at the council office. Leyland was the first to walk up and extend his hand.

"Glad you're here, Jim my boy. Bill Metzger came along with me and we need a little tete-a-tete after the formalities." Metzger shook hands and nodded curtly. Leyland and Metzger hung around the break room while the selections were made and Jim sent them in to the state office. Then he joined the other two.

"Jim, did you have a chance to talk with the wife about our little proposal?" Leyland asked earnestly.

"She was all for it," replied Jim. "Anything we can do to help out. She's behind this all the way, Leyland."

"Good, good," Masters shook his head up and down vigorously. "You know it's going to require you being away some, and it's a lot more responsibility."

"I can handle it," said Jim. "And Ann doesn't mind me being gone some if it's for a good cause, and this is definitely a good cause."

"There is one other thing," Metzger cut in. "It's about your brother-in-law."

"David?" Jim looked puzzled. "What on earth does he have to do with anything? He just stays with us."

"He's been snooping," said Metzger. "Looking around on the computer, trying to find out what goes on with the council."

"Jim, you know the necessity for secrecy," said Leyland. "We can't have people digging into our business... if it becomes common knowledge that we dispense cancer drugs, everyone and their brother will trying to influence the process. You understand. Everyone that has a sick family member thinks their case is the most important- and understandably, to them, it is. We're just trying to preserve our objectivity."

Jim nodded. "I'll have a talk with David. He sees conspiracies lurking around every corner. Boogiemen behind every bush. He's going out of town for a job interview, so the problem might well solve itself."

"No need to say anything yet," said Metzger. "Wait until he gets back. You don't happen to know where he went, do you?" David's inquiries had gone dark and Metzger wanted to know why... he need more time and didn't want to make David suspicious.

There was something in the way he said it that made Jim suspicious. "No," he replied. "He might have told Ann, but I haven't spoken to him about it." There was something Jim didn't like about this Metzger guy. How did he know what David was investigating on his computer. Something here wasn't right and he wasn't about to disclose anything to this character.

"Jim," it was Leyland again, "we have to know you're 100% behind this thing. Our plan depends on anonymity. We can't have outside people snooping around in our business. Lord knows people already make up all sorts of stuff. How does the old saying go... 'No good deed ever goes unpunished.'" He chuckled dryly.

Metzger was observing him through narrow eyes as if gauging his reaction. Jim made sure to have none. Maybe David was onto something. Maybe his "crazy conspiracies" weren't so crazy after all. Whatever it may be, it was giving Jim an extremely uneasy feeling. He couldn't wait to get out of there. It took all his strength not to appear nervous. He summoned up his reserves...

"Well, I guess if there's nothing else, I'll be getting home to Ann. I wouldn't give David another thought, he's just curious... and harmless. Jim stood and offered his hand. Leyland shook it warmly. Metzger continued his narrow-eyed observation. He shook hands gingerly. He didn't trust Jim, but then it was his business not to trust anybody. They said their good nights and Jim departed.

"I don't like this," Metzger said.

"Jim's a fine fellow," Leyland said in his defense.

"Make sure he stays that way," said Metzger. "I don't want any problems. We have too much at stake for some ametuer sleuth to mess up."

"Don't worry, it's my neck if something goes wrong," said Masters. Metzger just looked at him... a cold smile spread across his face.

GIF by @papa-pepper

#story #conspiracy

7 years ago in #fiction by richq11 (72)

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The Lottery Council- Chapter XI: The Council Meeting

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