RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Oct 19, 2010 13:30:00 GMT -5
It had been months now since that night, the night Edward had died. A lot had changed...and yet a lot was the same as ever it had been. Take the relationship between the new Mayor of New York and his friend-with-benefits turned enemy with the same...Doctor James Faustus. Richard was not at all surprised the doctor hadn't been in touch since he'd helped him kill his brother...and why should he have been? Richard had blamed him, after all. Any sane person who'd been blamed for murder, however subtly, would doubtless want to steer clear of the one who had laid the blame, for fear of finding themselves in even deeper waters. But despite all this, the murderer was getting back in contact with his accomplice. At least this time it wasn't for a similar reason. It was related, but these similarities mattered little to Richard. All he needed was the good doctor's consent. And, considering he was going to offer him a sizeable portion of the extra tax money that had been coming in to City Hall of late, the mayor was relatively well assured he would get it. Having been in contact with the doctor for so long before the murder it was the work of a few moments to punch his number into the phone. Richard wondered momentarily if Faustus would even pick up once he realized who was on the other end of the line... ooc: Yols, I hope you don't mind I used a Hamlet quote rather than an RIII one for the title. XD I left it up to Faustus to pick up the phone and whatnot; hope that's OK. ^^
|
|
yolanda7g
Full Member
One hella proud sinner
Posts: 184
|
Post by yolanda7g on Oct 24, 2010 23:49:54 GMT -5
Faustus had finally came home after a long day in the ER, and he was just ready to relax and chill....its called 'chillaxin' in other words. He'd got the first order for Hector prepared and ready to go, and he could already see himself in a penthouse suite with his own maid and butler and all the perks that goes along with being filthy rich. This whole deal with the gangsters thing might not go so bad. Sure, he was playing with fire...but hey, it comes with some serious reward. Sometimes when life gives you lemons...you make a really slammin cocktail. Faustus fell on his couch and grabbed the remote. There was supposed to be a football game on tonight. The Giants were playing Dallas tonight and Faustus definitely wasn't going to miss it. Even a football game seemed that much more satisfying, ever since he made that deal with Hector. Why? Because he just knew that his time to shine wasn't too far away, and that just made life so much sweeter. And suddenly his phone rang. "Dammit! They should know not to call a brotha in the middle of a game!" he said to no one really as he muted the TV. He didn't even look to see it was. "Yeah, this is Dr. Faustus," he said in a tone that sounded like 'what the HELL do you want?!'
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Oct 25, 2010 10:04:18 GMT -5
Richard could tell from the good doctor's tone that he wasn't in the best of moods, and realized he would have to tread more carefully than he had originally thought.
How best was he to begin? After all, he and Faustus hadn't parted on the best of terms. Then again, Faustus had picked up the phone; surely that meant something. Then again he might just not have looked at the caller ID.
Richard sometimes wished he wasn't so paranoid. However, it was a trait that had served him well over the years, despite the fact it often made things a great deal more difficult than need be.
"Doctor Faustus, what a pleasure to speak to you again," Or, at least it will be, once you agree to my proposals. "I have a proposition for you."
|
|
yolanda7g
Full Member
One hella proud sinner
Posts: 184
|
Post by yolanda7g on Oct 29, 2010 21:57:52 GMT -5
"Doctor Faustus, what a pleasure to speak to you again. I have a proposition for you."
Faustus furrowed his brow, removing the phone from his ear and looking at it as if it just did something crazy. That was the mayor! That man seriously had enough nerve to call him. Like...he seriously was trying to call him right now. Right now. In the middle of a game. What the......?!
Faustus return the phone to his ear. He wasn't even trying to hear it. He was Hector's main man now and he was about to get a huuuuge pay off for it....so why did he need to talk with this fool for? The same man who pinned him with murder? GET THE HECK OUTTA HERE.
"A proposition? Good for you. Make sure you tell it to somebody who wants to hear your BS. You have a blessed freakin day." Faustus was just about to hang up.
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Oct 30, 2010 6:00:12 GMT -5
"A proposition? Good for you. Make sure you tell it to somebody who wants to hear your BS. You have a blessed freakin day."
What a charming man, Richard thought, with a roll of his eyes. In truth it pained him to hear Faustus' arrogant tones; he was only calling him for his own benefit, certainly not to dwell on his insults.
He realized, however, that he didn't have long to get his point across. If his last comment was any indication, Faustus was going to hang up (and no wonder really, all things considered, and the mayor didn't even know Faustus was so set on watching the game). Richard had to stop him doing so, somehow.
He kept his tone cordial despite the doctor's obvious disdain as he said;
"Oh, I believe this is something you will want to hear. If you provide me with the assistance I require this time, the reward would, frankly, be astounding. I've come into a great deal of money recently, Doctor; what if I were to give it all to you?"
|
|
yolanda7g
Full Member
One hella proud sinner
Posts: 184
|
Post by yolanda7g on Nov 3, 2010 10:04:35 GMT -5
Faustus caught the mayor's response before he hung up and paused, grinning. Oh this was going to be a good laugh. The mayor must be really desperate for something if he was calling him, the very person who he knows hates his guts. Now, James was entertained, because even if the mayor gave it all to Faustus (and he wouldn't), he had a guaranteed deal with Tormei and he wasn't trying to mess around with that guy at all. Tormei was no joke and he was the real deal.
In essence, Faustus wasn't about to get jumbled up in any of the mayor's mess anytime soon...or ever...now that he was with Tormei. All this considering that the guy tried to pin him for murder.
"Man, you must be either the most desperate man on the planet, or the biggest liar. I've been down that road with you man, and ya drove me into a bunch of traffic, ran me into a ditch, got out the car, stole a taxi, and left me to find out how get my ass back home. So you got a lot of nerve callin me like this. What in the heck do you need from me that you'd be so damn brave...cause you know I'mma come for your ass for what you did, right? You know that right? Naw, I ain't gonna wrap myself in some assassination attempt...again, so don't take that the wrong way. But next time I see you we're gonna have more than a few words. Trust me." He rolled his eyes. "So that said, what the heck is it, man, so I can say 'hell naw' and watch my game? This I gotta hear."
|
|
hamlet
former admin
Hamlet - Shakespeare The Prince: A Procrastinator with a Touch of Crazy
Posts: 1,357
|
Post by hamlet on Nov 3, 2010 10:30:25 GMT -5
Harry wasn't the one to be this proactive. In fact, he wasn't. He sat and watched as money went out the window for his company and the companies under his company. He didn't know how his uncle was taking the blunt of the taxes, and he didn't care really. Harry knew he was probably doing some shady business to keep Hamlet Enterprises stable, but as for Harry's financial firm, a sect within Hamlet Enterprises, Harry was taking it pretty hard. However, Harry could have done much more to prevent this money problem from happening. He could have done some refinancing, talked with a few bankers, and did what he did best. It was why they called him "the prince" after all. However, Harry was content with just watching. With his father and his uncle constantly on his mind, the company seemed trivial. He no longer felt satisfied running it, and everything suffered as a result. The taxes didn't help, and therefore, Harry thought that blaming the mayor's tax on business would be...proactive. The fact of the matter was that he needed one less thing to worry about. He knew Richard Plantagenet and although he probably didn't make the greatest impression at the dinner (though in the scheme of things, Harry's drunkenness was the least of Richard's concerns), Harry felt that perhaps he could negotiate and get this one problem off his plate. He approached the mayor's office, already receiving clearance from officials within the building to see him. That was fairly easy to get, since he carried the Chandler name. He opened the door, peeking in and knocking a bit, before stepping in and closing the door behind him. When he did that, he saw Richard was on the phone, so he stood by the door and waited a moment.
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Nov 3, 2010 16:35:13 GMT -5
"Man, you must be either the most desperate man on the planet, or the biggest liar."
Richard didn't know whether to be amused or infuriated by this. He was a superb liar, it was true, but he didn't like others being overly aware of the fact. Nor did he appreciate Faustus' labelling him as desperate.
"I've been down that road with you man, and ya drove me into a bunch of traffic, ran me into a ditch, got out the car, stole a taxi, and left me to find out how get my ass back home."
He knew the situation was serious, but he couldn't help a small inward chuckle at the mental image the analogy conjured. His mirth was short-lived however as Faustus continued to speak.
"So you got a lot of nerve callin me like this. What in the heck do you need from me that you'd be so damn brave...cause you know I'mma come for your ass for what you did, right? You know that right? Naw, I ain't gonna wrap myself in some assassination attempt...again, so don't take that the wrong way. But next time I see you we're gonna have more than a few words. Trust me."
Here Richard attempted to interject; was it wrong of him to feel as though he needed to? Faustus was insulting him but, worse than that, he was making threats. He, a middle class doctor (admittedly far better than average, but that was besides the point) was threatening him, the Mayor of New York City?
There were many thing wrong with the scenario, too many to count, but this stuck out in Richard's mind. Faustus would regret those badly chosen words; he could be sure of that. And where did he get off calling him brave, anyway? It wasn't as though Faustus had been through what Richard had.
"So that said, what the heck is it, man, so I can say 'hell naw' and watch my game? This I gotta hear."
Despite his current state of displeasure where the doctor was concerned Richard was about to launch into his explanation without a hint of malice. That was until a knock on the door sounded and, seconds later, Harry Chandler of Hamlet Enterprises was standing inside his office.
It took all the willpower Richard possessed not only to keep his face impassive (so as to look as though nothing was amiss to Chandler) but also not to swear out loud. What the b***** h*** was he doing here? Now, of all times?
It was at this point Richard realized he had very few options available to him. If he asked Chandler to leave he would come across as rude and, doubtless, suspicious, circumstances considered. But if he continued in the vein he wished to with Chandler in the room...he couldn't do that either.
And considering the way Faustus was talking to him, there wouldn't be a chance of getting back in touch with him any time soon, unless that meant being on the receiving end of one of the man's fists.
Richard was swiftly coming to the unfortunate conclusion that the likelihood of sorting out the other order of business he'd had in mind for Faustus would not be possible. And this meant he was in an even worse mood than he otherwise would have been; not good news for Harry Chandler in the slightest.
"You most certainly do...but at a later date, perhaps. I'm afraid I have business to attend to. Good evening."
Who knew? Perhaps leaving Faustus with a cliff-hanger would entice him to find out what Richard was planning? A shred of hope, ridiculously thin, but still present.
Richard placed the phone down and turned his gaze to Chandler, attempting to make his expression at least a degree more at ease.
"Mister Chandler," he said, somehow forcing a small smile. "To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of seeing you again so soon?"
|
|
hamlet
former admin
Hamlet - Shakespeare The Prince: A Procrastinator with a Touch of Crazy
Posts: 1,357
|
Post by hamlet on Nov 3, 2010 20:43:33 GMT -5
Harry held a file in his hand, watched, and waited patiently for Richard to get off the phone. In the mean time, he was running through all that he would say to him and also all of the things he thought Richard would say back. Of course the best case scenario is that Harry convinces him to repeal the tax increase, but on the other hand, Harry was worried that Richard might expose him for being a crap business man. A businessman who no longer gave a damn about the company and for someone who harped about his father's legacy, he was sure doing a terrible job at keeping it afloat by being a respectable son. Sure, Harry was being extremely paranoid, but his mind tend to go in wild directions when he stood or sat in silence. Full of "what if, what if, what if?"s.
And after he quickly went over all of the scenarios in his head (it only took seconds), he looked up when Richard hung up the phone.
"To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of seeing you again so soon?"
Richard smiled at him and Harry gave his signature lopsided grin as he approached the desk.
"I apologize for interrupting. I was told I could see you." He took a seat. He said the following very calmly. "You know, I've come to find that you are a very respectable, admirable man and honestly, it was no shock to me that you won the elections for mayor. So I'm coming to you as a good acquaintance, knowing you're a man of reason and honor. And I mean that with complete sincerity." His almost grey eyes looked at Richard, trying to see if he was on the right track through his expression. He knew Richard would appreciate the flattery but he also knew that the guy wasn't an idiot so Harry cut right to the chase.
"So by now you're probably guessing that I want something." He grinned and opened the file. "I won't waste any of your time, mayor, and my request is plain." He sighed heavily. "Listen, this tax increase is really hurting big businesses. I'm not speaking on behalf of Hamlet Enterprises - that's my...dear... uncle's job - but rather, the companies under Hamlet Enterprises. I run a finance firm for theater companies, as you probably already know, and my job is to help them stay afloat. I can't do that if the whole business economy is caving in on itself."
"Listen...you like like a good show don't you? Of course you do, who doesn't love a good show? This city is known for Broadway. You're slowly but surely closing out these theater companies, one by one with this. They were already struggling because of the recession and general ticket sells. Richard, you have to do something about this." Gradually, Harry's speech started getting erratically and suddenly passionate and a little unstable.
"Who else is going to deliver the passion and art that New York talent has to offer if theater companies start closing down? One, two, three, one by one, they're all going to fall down. All of them. Every single one. Like a faulty bridge. Cracks in the structure, too much weight in the surface, and bam." Harry slammed his hand on the table for effect. "Broadway will be done. I thought about this, Richard. I really did." He slid the file to him. It listed the projected financial status of the theater companies under his firm via graphs. All of them were seemingly going to take a down turn. "And if Broadway suffers, who's going to represent the truth of our existence to the masses? Art is precious, it gets into the heart of things. Its a mirror for us, and it reveals anything hidden. Music...not the - la la la la la de da- kind but, the music that really tells us about the city itself. It can speak to us. And we can hear it plainly. That is what New York is about. Thats why people come here. To hear, to see, to feel something."
Considering he could feel nothing, his statement was an ironic one. Harry had no idea why he was vouching for this city. He hated this city. But Harry was playing a role, an off centered, passionate role that he needed to maintain in order to get his company on stable ground and also...keep appearances to his employees. If the mayor thought he was crazy, surely his family would too.
"So please, do this for me, a good acquaintance. An honest man."
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Nov 5, 2010 18:00:45 GMT -5
"I apologize for interrupting. I was told I could see you."
At this Richard inwardly raised an eyebrow. Hadn't he made it plain enough that he didn't wish to be interrupted that evening? Well, Chandler was here now and he didn't seem to be planning to depart any time soon.
"You know, I've come to find that you are a very respectable, admirable man and honestly, it was no shock to me that you won the elections for mayor. So I'm coming to you as a good acquaintance, knowing you're a man of reason and honor. And I mean that with complete sincerity."
Plantagenet was somewhat surprised at this; despite the fact he considered Chandler a good acquaintance he hadn't the faintest idea of how his association with him had affected the younger man. He was pleased with the compliments as anyone would be, but more than usual considering all the criticisms he'd been receiving as late. Despite the fact he knew Chandler was sincere (it amused him no end considering he was just the opposite of what the heir made him out to be) he could tell there was something behind it all. He wouldn't just turn up at City Hall to tell him this. There must be some ulterior motive.
"So by now you're probably guessing that I want something."
Richard's small smile grew, though not in an unkind fashion. He was well aware of Chandler's gaze fixed on him, gauging his reaction. He nodded as Harry said this, inviting him to continue.
"I won't waste any of your time, mayor, and my request is plain. Listen, this tax increase is really hurting big businesses. I'm not speaking on behalf of Hamlet Enterprises - that's my...dear... uncle's job - but rather, the companies under Hamlet Enterprises. I run a finance firm for theater companies, as you probably already know, and my job is to help them stay afloat. I can't do that if the whole business economy is caving in on itself."
Richard sighed as Chandler spoke; such a shame that he'd turned critical as well. The mayor had to admit he was making his point well, however, and continued to listen attentively as Harry continued
"Listen...you like like a good show don't you? Of course you do, who doesn't love a good show? This city is known for Broadway. You're slowly but surely closing out these theater companies, one by one with this. They were already struggling because of the recession and general ticket sells. Richard, you have to do something about this."
How little he knows, Richard found himself thinking. He loved a good show indeed. In truth, the fact that Chandler was relying so heavily on appealing to the good and honourable nature he assumed Richard to have made the statement all the more amusing for him; why, he was playing a role at that very moment.
And was Chandler? He'd certainly seemed disheartened with Hamlet Enterprises when Richard had spoken with him at the church all those months ago, disheartened with the city. Yet here he was, vouching for it?
Seeing Harry push the folder he'd been carrying towards him, Richard opened it with his good hand and scanned the contents, all the while listening to Harry. Things certainly didn't look good. And he was to blame. He knew that. And yet he didn't feel a thing...or if he did he was hiding it very well indeed.
The passionate and excited nature of Harry's speech seemed to prove Richard's earlier point. That and the actual words he was speaking. He made a passionate plea and a good case...but an exaggerated one, to be certain. Comparing these statistics to Chandler's words...
When Harry finished speaking Richard raised his eyes from the charts to look at him again, not entirely sure what to make of the situation. Harry Chandler hated New York, he'd certainly told him words to that effect, yet here he was professing his admiration for it. He'd talked of Hamlet Enterprises as though it was dead, yet here he was trying to bring it back to life? Something wasn't quite right, in Richard's view.
"Mister Chandler..." he said calmly, after a pause. "I appreciate your sentiments, I truly do. But I must confess my belief that you may be exaggerating. Your words and these statistics...they don't quite add up. Your argument against this policy is all projective, as I see it. These things could happen, it's true, but there's a chance that they won't. I understand that not everyone approves of this policy-" And I don't appreciate how people are treating me for it. "-But I fear it is a necessary evil. You may not see the benefits of it now, indeed most don't. But they will come. I say this as an honest man."
|
|
hamlet
former admin
Hamlet - Shakespeare The Prince: A Procrastinator with a Touch of Crazy
Posts: 1,357
|
Post by hamlet on Nov 9, 2010 21:48:11 GMT -5
Harry listen to Richard's answer intently. Well - that didn't work the way he'd planned it. He supposed Richard did have a point, they were projective statistics. But they were very plausible statistics. Harry started to wonder now if Richard even cared about the consequences that 'necessary evils' bring with it. Necessary evil for what? For more necessary evils? Come on. Harry started to get suspicious of Richard's intentions, but then again, he was always sort of suspicious of his intentions. He just never cared enough to pursue them.
Harry shook his head.
"Sorry if I'm not one of those 'believe that it gets worse before it gets better' kinds of people." he said dryly. "How great is that chance that these things won't happen?" He furrowed his brow and looked at Richard with a face full of disappointment. He shook his head again then ran his hand through his long dark hair, has if he were getting restless, his gaze downcast. " 'A chance' he says, all we have is a chance..." Harry mumbled to himself. He paused for a moment as if to collect himself. These reactions were only a role to play. He had to keep the act up. He took a deep breath before looking up again.
"Do you know how many people's livelihoods are built on these theaters? What necessary evil is worth sacrificing years of sweat and tears, Mr. Plantagenet? Wait - I have another question for you. A collection of words that make no sense whatsoever, but I just have to ask you....He who makes me does not want me. He who buys me does not need me. He who uses me does not care. What am I, mayor? What am I? Please answer me that, first. Please."
His almost gray eyes stared at Richard, clearly anticipating his answer. A madman indeed, but Harry hoped Richard would pity him at the very least.
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Nov 12, 2010 11:08:53 GMT -5
"Sorry if I'm not one of those 'believe that it gets worse before it gets better' kinds of people. How great is that chance that these things won't happen?"
Richard said nothing, simply continued to watch the heir of Hamlet Enterprises as he frowned, shook his head, ran a hand through his hair, eyes now trained on the floor. He was clearly agitated, and yet Richard couldn't shake off the nagging doubt that this was all an act...
" 'A chance' he says, all we have is a chance..."
At this Richard frowned slightly, taking the oppurtunity while Harry wasn't looking at him to cast an eye over the documenst again. Chandler was right, the chance wasn't that great...but he really should have more faith.
"Do you know how many people's livelihoods are built on these theaters? What necessary evil is worth sacrificing years of sweat and tears, Mr. Plantagenet?"
Richard would have interjected here and attempted to make his position clear but Harry barrelled on, seeming to grow more and more agitated with every word he spoke. As he continued to speak Richard looked up, somewhat alarmed at the fervour in Chandler's voice.
"Wait - I have another question for you. A collection of words that make no sense whatsoever, but I just have to ask you....He who makes me does not want me. He who buys me does not need me. He who uses me does not care. What am I, mayor? What am I? Please answer me that, first. Please."
Richard raised an eyebrow, unable to help himself in the face of Chandler's...what was this? He was acting in a crazy manner but that didn't mean to say he was so... Wasn't that one of the points of acting, to be something you're not?
Plantagenet was acutely aware of Harry's grey gaze boring into his own. He stared back, unable to riddle out just what Chandler was trying to get at.
Eventually, he spoke again, his tone much less judgemental than it had been before, more resigned, even a touch sympathetic, if anything.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that question, Mister Chandler," he said, slightly un-nerved by Chandler's continued stare but unwilling to be the one to break it off. "Look...I'm sorry the taxes have hit you hard, truly."
He paused, drummed his good fingers on the desk in an agitation of his own, then spoke again.
"Perhaps there is something I could do to...ease the burden, somehow..."
ooc: Sorry this took me so long; something's wrong with my computer, that and I've had lots of work to do as late. My day today has been...unsatisfactory, but I wanted to get a post to you before I envelop myself in work. Hence, if it's not up to par, I apologize. D:
|
|
hamlet
former admin
Hamlet - Shakespeare The Prince: A Procrastinator with a Touch of Crazy
Posts: 1,357
|
Post by hamlet on Nov 19, 2010 1:41:32 GMT -5
Harry studied Richard's expression, his gaze unwavering. He had hoped to startle Richard with his act. Not too much. Just enough to for him to take pity. With his drunken behavior at the dinner, Harry figured it wouldn't take much at all. And if this worked, he would have one less thing to worry about. He'd get a break for once - for once! Just this once.
Richard seemed perplexed by Harry's behavior, which was good. Something about the confused glares that Harry received when he acted this way was...satisfying. These people were never reacting to him, they were reacting to a role. He was able to step back and pretend - it was exhausting and irritating at times yes, but in a way, it was nice. He could step out of the reality of being in his own skin for once....as bittersweet as that may be.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that question, Mister Chandler,"
"- a grave." Harry answered, quite seriously, his voice hushed a notch. "That is the answer. That is what I am. That's what you're building for the culture of this city."
"Look...I'm sorry the taxes have hit you hard, truly."
There was that word once again. The word that meant nothing anymore. Sorry.
"Perhaps there is something I could do to...ease the burden, somehow..."
"Perhaps." Harry agreed. "I'm sure there are many somethings but will you do them, mayor?"
|
|
RICHARD PLANTAGENET
Elite
Richard III
"Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile."
Posts: 725
|
Post by RICHARD PLANTAGENET on Nov 19, 2010 14:50:51 GMT -5
"- a grave."
Chandler's tone was hushed,almost reverent, as he spoke. Richard wasn't sure what to make of this, as he had been with much of what Chandler had been saying. Why did he insist on making his words into riddles; couldn't he just speak plainly?
"That is the answer. That is what I am. That's what you're building for the culture of this city."
Richard was tempted to roll his eyes but knew this would be an unwise descision. He continued to say nothing, however, feeling it would be best to hear all of what Harry had to say before he interrupted.
"Perhaps. I'm sure there are many somethings but will you do them, mayor?"
Richard leant back in his chair a fraction, mulling this over. Now that it was clear he would never get Faustus to help him, even with the incentive of he tax money, was there any point in keeping the taxes up?
No...there wasn't.
"Yes, Mister Chandler," Richard said at last. "I will. I trust lowering the taxes would be satisfactory for the time being?"
|
|
hamlet
former admin
Hamlet - Shakespeare The Prince: A Procrastinator with a Touch of Crazy
Posts: 1,357
|
Post by hamlet on Nov 27, 2010 13:14:24 GMT -5
"Yes, Mister Chandler, I will. I trust lowering the taxes would be satisfactory for the time being?"
Harry stared at him for a moment, blinking. That was much easier than he thought. Thank goodness for that. Harry couldn't help but be wary of it though...that was a little too easy. Was Richard simply bluffing? Perhaps he was just conceding in order to get rid of Harry. What could Harry do if that's what he was doing anyway? Unfortunately all he could do was wait and see. Waiting and waiting, like usual.
His troubled expression dissolved into a slightly apologetic one.
"...yes." He nodded. "Yes, yes, that's satisfactory but listen...I'm really sorry for being so disagreeable but as you know, this is really important to me and..." he furrowed his brow. "I'm just a little stressed." He rolled his eyes a bit. "Maybe more than a little. Doesn't matter. Anyway, thank you. I appreciate it."
He paused. "How are you holding up since the dinner?" Not that he cared too much. From the looks of things, he seemed to be holding up just fine. Good for him. Good for him.
|
|