Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“He’s the God of war of our time, the merchant of death, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the CEO of Caliber technologies, Drake Griffin.”

This was the lengthy intro of one of the greatest news commentator for RCS news and all of America, Brian Hannity, the forty year old man was all smiles and grins as he talked to his latest guest, Drake Griffin who just smiled at the passive aggressive attacks being thrown at him.

Those were hazards of the job, people called war a racket and the idea that someone could benefit from the destruction of lives and property to some people was immoral

“Now tell us Drake, how does it feel to be responsible for more deaths than Hitler.” Brian asked while turning to him, with clear undisguised loathing.

Drake sighed and wondered why his PR manager forced him to undergo this torture. He was told that discussions with his critics would improve his image in the eyes of the outside world. He tried to recall the conversation that brought him to this moment

Flashback begins

“Its good press.” Argued Katie Abrahams, her small blouse heaving, she tried to steady her breath, arguing with Drake could be tedious, he was very stubborn but could be reasonable if given a reason to be.

Sitting on a desk in front of her was Drake dressed in his typical casual wear of a leather jacket and knees, looking at him you would think he was a thug instead of the CEO and CTO of a fortune 500 defense company.

His office was very minimalist, a laptop laid open on his desk, three phones were lined In a row, several documents awaiting review were arranged neatly in a pile, everything was work related, nothing personal, it gave the impression of a man solely dedicated to his work while sacrificing his personal life.

Drake leaned forward, his angular face staring deeply into Katie’s eyes with an intensity that caused her to sweat despite the air conditioner.

“It’s suicide, the man thinks we and not the terrorist killed his nephew,” Drake said while putting covering his eyes in frustration, sometimes he wondered why he hired Katie, she wasn’t a terrible PR manager but trying to get an interview with a man who just lost his nephew to a war, a war that Drake had not only profited from but sold weapons to the other side. 

“He’ll tear into me and savor it.” Drake explained leaning forward

“You’ll do a good job defending yourself, we need to set the record straight and Brian’s got a large audience.” Katie said while wiping the sweat from her brows.

Flashback ends

“I don’t know Brian, I haven’t killed anyone yet.”

The newsman smiled dropped a bit, so that’s the game Drake wanted to play, well he could play it too, Brian thought.

“It’s your guns our enemies are using.”

Drake almost face palmed himself in frustration, “That’s like saying car companies are responsible for hit and runs.”

Brian relented.

“But you have to admit you do deserve some of the blame,” Brian said. “Your company was going under and you sold yourself to the devil.”

Drake looked around at the audience, undisguised scorn was registered on their face, they hated him.

“I’ve issued a number of apologies,” Drake said. “What more do you want  from me.”

“What I want..”, Brian said with a smile. “ Is to buy one of your guns.”

Drake raised his eyebrows in curiosity, where was this man going with this. 

“And shoot you in the face. Just like those terrorists did to my nephew.”

“Because I’m trash?” Drake offered.

“Scum.” Brian spat.

At that moment the audience burst out in cheers at how Brian had put Drake in his place.

“That’s all for tonight, folks.” Brian said warmly to his audience both home and abroad.

“And you,” Brian said to Drake with undisguised fury now that the cameras were turned off. Saliva sprayed from his mouth and into Drake’s face. “Get out of my sight.”

“It could have been worse,” Katie said softly as she wiped the spit off her boss face. “At least. Now we know you do well under pressure.”

The limo they were in stopped at a traffic light.

“Katie?” Drake said softly as he relaxed into the chair. “Shut up.”

“Yes sir.” Katie sad meekly, she knew better than to say anything when her boss was angry.

“And I don’t want any more publicity stunts. No interviews. No talks,” He said. “I just want this to blow over.”

“Yes boss.”

“Good. Have Tyler order some pizza to be delivered at work. I’m gonna be working late.”

Katie sighed in frustration, she knew her boss was trying to punish himself by depriving himself of sleep as he worked on a new project.

The limo stopped at Katie’s apartment and she exited the car. It was a  high rise penthouse.

“See you at work tomorrow.” She said softly.

He murmured a good night and his limo sped away.

“We’re gonna have to make a quick stop. “ He informed his driver.

The driver adjusted his mirror and took a good look at the scowling CEO.

“Of course sir.”

It had been a long time since he had been to church, that was usually his brother thing. Drake was never one to find solace in another human being and the idea of confessing his darkest and deepest fears to someone frightened him. 

And as he sat down in the confession booth, he quickly began to regret his decision of coming here.

“Forgive me Father for I have seen,” He said while making the sign of the cross. “My last confession… it’s been a while.”

The priest grunted. “Then I better comfortable.” 

“I never thought a priest could be a comedian.”

“I did try that out but I gave up after my first gig,” The priest joked. “Nobody was laughing.”

“I’ll make a confession..”

“That’s why you’re here, my son.” 

“I don’t think I can do this. I don’t think anyone can understand me.”

“Is that what you think?” The priest asked. There was a moment of silence between the both of them. “In that case maybe find someone who will. Let me pray for you.”