The Rise - Chapter 26

Leon turned towards the man sitting next to him who was one of his father’s men in a plea for help. Yet the man was so engulfed in Alexander’s speech he was unaware of the Leon and Gideon’s conversation. Gideon notices Leon’s uneasiness and laughs a slow heavy laugh that causes a tremble in Leon’s chest.

“It’s my job Leon, to appear and disappear without a sound. I know this all seems rather sudden, but I don’t like to beat around the bush. So I will give one last piece of information and whether you wish to accept our offer or not, will be your decision.”

Leon looks down at the metallic card reading the number on it – it was a phone number, presumably belonging to Gideon.

“What do you know about your father’s corruption allegations?” said Gideon causing Leon’s head to snap towards him.

“With that reaction you may know more than I expected, you shouldn’t be too obvious with your reactions Leon, people like me will read you like an open book.” said Gideon

Leon stands up. He already knows that Hilda is probably looking into these allegations and he can’t take any chances when it comes to blowing his father’s cover. With his reaction, he’s already given away too much.

“I don’t know who you are and I don’t care. Take your card and leave, this conversation is done.” said Leon handing the card back to Gideon

“Don’t worry, I already know the allegations are fabricated by your father.” said Gideon causing Leon to instantly freeze, he then quickly throws the card onto Gideon’s lap trying to play cool

“I know nothing about my father’s allegations.” he said

“Well, I do. I was planning to give you the information about your father’s allegation as a token of goodwill, but you seem to already know. But I can’t force a horse to drink, so whether you want to know exactly what your father’s plan is or not, is entirely up to you” said Gideon

Leon was unsure what to do. At this stage it was clear that Gideon knew everything and, trying to play it off as if it’s not true wasn’t going to work. He decides to stay silent and wait for Gideon’s next move.

“Splendid. But perhaps you should sit down first – you’re drawing too much attention.” said Gideon taking Leon’s silence as an acceptance to hear him out.

Leon reluctantly sits down keeping his eyes on Gideon with every movement.

“Your father is one the first politicians to reach where he did without full help from the shadow council. That means he’s lacking in funds when it comes to other candidates – such as his opponent Theodore, who is loved dearly by the shadow council. Thus, his close friend, Kevin Tundra, must make up for your father’s lack of funds but unfortunately there’s a limit to how much a single donor can give a candidate or party.” said Gideon pulling out a piece of paper from the inside of his jacket.

“So your father found a loophole, all he needed to do was provide Kevin Tundra with a service that would cost a huge sum of money, a service that would hold up in court as worth that amount paid. Thus it is no longer a donation, but a payment. You see, Hilda was on my back trying to get me to figure out what your father was doing, until I finally stumbled upon an old court case in which your father, sixteen years ago, was trialed for this exact same allegation and he won.” said Gideon showing the paper to Leon.

Leon had already figured it out without the need for Gideon to continue. The allegations this time must be similar as those sixteen years ago – receiving large amounts of money from a donor. That’s why he’s not worried, since he’s already fought this similar case in court years ago – he knows the loophole.

“Thus your father, has essentially made himself immune to any attack on his name after this allegation clears up. Since any scandal that an opponent would think to use such as affairs, sexual assault and bribery, will all seem like the first allegation – just a fake dig at his reputation and no one will take it seriously.” continued Gideon

‘Not only that, but it would also make him seem stronger. That all his enemies are so afraid of him they’re making up lies just to beat him down…’ thought Leon to himself.

Gideon suddenly stands up and places the card on Leon’s lap.

“As you can see, the shadow council is quite resourceful – it would be a waste for you to refuse us. But I won’t waste anymore time. The rest lies with you.” he said as he coldly turned around and walked away. The security guard quickly took the metal chair, folded it and put it away.

Leon turned over his shoulder to see the tall figure of Gideon as he walked gracefully towards the car without even turning back to look once. He was done. He had nothing more to say. And to Leon, perhaps that’s all that was needed to be said.