There Let Him Sink {Monte Cristo & Richard} FIN

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

And there Richard had been thinking things couldn't get any worse.

Holmes had discovered everything, accused him of Edward's murder and, of course, been correct. He'd threatened him with jail. Richard had revealed his own investigation to the detective. Even more threats ensued, the end result being one neither was entirely satisfied with.

And then, barely a few weeks later, the Times had run an article on Hector Tormei.

Hector Tormei was running for Mayor.

Richard hadn't known how to react. He was shocked, understandably, but then other feelings allowed themselves to sink in. He felt betrayed, as though Hector, someone he regarded as a close acquaintance, had turned traitor. He was trying to usurp him. Tormei had not the slightest idea just what Richard had done to get the Mayor's seat...

Then there was the constituent's meeting. It was impossible trying to work when on the steps of the same building someone you regarded as a close acquaintance was encouraging the people to vote against you. It was a wonder Richard hadn't stormed out and attempted to put a stop to it.

And then there was an even more alarming matter. The fact Richard's conscience was catching up with him. A voice in his head was making itself heard, calling him guilty, berating him for his past actions. He had barely had a moment's peace from it since he heard of Hector's candidacy...as though the threat of his ill gained power being stolen made him realize just how corrupt and bloody his road to power had been.

Richard had tried to rid himself of the voice of his conscience in church. It hadn't worked. How could he have expected it to?

Needless to say, all this considered, Richard was in need of some sort of break. Thank goodness for his acquaitanceship with the Count of Monte Cristo. The man had promised support, and Richard desperatley needed it.

They had arranged to meet up again, but in less businesslike surroundings. Monte Cristo had suggested taking a trip on one of his yachts and Richard was pleased with the idea; to not be in an office at this point in time was like luxury.

He stood on the pier awaiting his acquaintance, looking as though he hadn't slept in days despite being as well dressed and smart as ever. He held his walking stick in his good hand, as though that was the one thing keeping him standing upright.

ooc: Stressed Ricky is stressed. D:

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

The yacht stood ready for the upcoming visit and voyage. Unsurprisingly, a good deal of work had gone into preparing it. So rarely did Monte Cristo find occasion to use the craft that it had remained idle for a long time. The yacht normally remained on Monte Cristo's property, at his home on Long Island, but for his guest's convenience and because he wanted the opportunity to sail, he had moved it to the pier in Queens.

He was waiting for Richard Plantagenet to arrive. He and the mayor had previously arranged a meeting; the location had been Monte Cristo's rather selfish idea. An office had seemed too formal, and the yacht had seemed ideal, rather than meeting in public or at one of their homes. Besides, the brief trip would hopefully provide some relaxation, which both men likely needed.

As for himself, Monte Cristo had been passing the time in his usual way; that is, he had been working for most of the time that he did not spend eating or sleeping. There had been the occasional social outing, but that was another matter. Even parties usually held some element of "work" for the count, whether by networking or gathering information or some other means related to his business.

Monte Cristo had busied himself with various chores around the yacht, ensuring that everything was as it should be. He had full faith in his staff; he just happened to be something of a micromanager, a trait which everyone in his employ had become accustomed to. "Monsieur, your guest awaits you on the pier," the voice of his butler, Bertuccio, called from the deck. Monte Cristo promptly ascended the stairs and headed out to the pier.

"Thank you, Bertuccio," Monte Cristo called as he landed on the walkway. A few long strides brought him within speaking range of Richard. He immediately noticed Richard's somewhat haggard appearance, despite his good dress, and instantly felt concerned. However, he made no remark on this observation; whether Richard was aware of how tired he looked or not, the last thing the man needed was to hear about it.

"Richard. It's a pleasure to see you again. I hope you have been well." The count extended his hand while also giving a small bow. "Join me, please." They would not waste time standing around on the pier; neither did the count expect to jump directly into business, but he did not plan to do so when there was a calm sea and a blue sky setting the stage for a pleasant trip.

The yacht itself was not incredibly extravagant- it was a somewhat large, white yacht, quite standard in every way, and perhaps disappointing if one considered the amount of money Monte Cristo could have invested into making it flashier. The name Pharaon was emblazoned along its side.

"The men you see about are my workers," Monte Cristo explained as he escorted Richard toward the boat. "They will serve as our crew." His staff were hand-picked, the most trustworthy and able servants to be found. Most of them had witnessed the events of Monte Cristo's recent past and never told a word of it; he was not concerned about anything discussed on this visit being leaked to the public.

"Would you prefer to remain on the deck or in the cabin?" Monte Cristo asked; depending on Richard's answer, he would either set out deck chairs for them to recline in or lead the way below deck to the saloon, where they could also be comfortably seated.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Richard looked up as he heard the Count's voice, just in time to see his approach.

"Richard. It's a pleasure to see you again. I hope you have been well."

As Monte Cristo extended a hand for Richard to shake, Richard tucked his walking stick under his arm and shook it, though with none of his usual vigour when meeting the count. He somehow managed a smile though, grateful for his presence.

"Join me, please."

All too happy to oblige, the mayor replaced his stick in his good hand and followed in the count's wake, his limp more pronounced than usual, as it had been that day he went to church, as though it were some sort of physical manifestation of his conscience, constantly nagging away at him.

"The men you see about are my workers. They will serve as our crew."

As Monte Cristo made his explanation Richard nodded and smiled fleetingly at the count's men as he passed them, trying his utmost to keep up civil appearances though he felt, at this point, it would be useless.

"Would you prefer to remain on the deck or in the cabin?"

"The cabin, if you don't mind," Richard replied. Despite the fact it looked to be a glorious day, and despite the fact they would soon be on the water and away from the city, he had an ingrained desire to remain away from prying eyes, particullarly in his current state.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

If Richard's appearance had not been enough to raise Monte Cristo's concern, the man's handshake certainly would have been. However, he continued to keep his worries to himself, and silently noted Richard's limp as they boarded the yacht.

The crewmen kept at their jobs, and barely acknowledged either man as they passed. This was not out of rudeness, but from the understanding that they were ghosts; they would see only as much as Monte Cristo wanted them to see. The rest of the meeting was not their concern.

"The cabin, if you don't mind."

Monte Cristo led the way below deck and gestured toward the sofas and chairs in the saloon. "Please make yourself comfortable. Would you care for any refreshments?" he asked as he went into the kitchen, which was just across from the seating area, and not closed off by any walls. He was pouring himself a glass of water. It might have been unusual to see Monte Cristo in this much less glorified role; his manner of dress was slightly more casual, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows.

"I doubt we could have asked for better weather today," he commented idly, glancing over at Richard as he spoke. The only point of this remark was to urge Richard to talk. The man had been very quiet so far, which was a bit uncharacteristic of him, and that, along with his demeanor, only augmented the count's concern for him.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Please make yourself comfortable. Would you care for any refreshments?"

It was unusual to see Monte Cristo taking on this role, not just from his actions but his more casual attire. That wasn't to say Richard minded; this was precisely why they'd decided against an office - in an attempt at lessened formality.

Richard took a seat as the count indicated, very grateful indeed. Not just for the count's agreeing to this meeting but for the fact he had yet to ask its cause. The mayor was somewhat more contented simply being around the man who had pledged to support him.

At the count's offer of refreshments, Richard looked over at him, smile growing a little. He wondered momentarilly if the count would be so kind, if he'd be so willing to lend his support to him, if he knew just what he'd done.

"You wouldn't happen to have any wine, would you?" he asked, a bit tentative in the request. But he couldn't deny that he needed it.

"I doubt we could have asked for better weather today,"

Richard disagreed, unable to help the feeling this was the calm before the storm. He didn't voice this opinion, however, saying instead that he agreed, but nothing else. He wasn't quite himself today and he was sure the count had noticed, but wasn't quite sure how to phrase an apology for his behaviour.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

"You wouldn't happen to have any wine, would you?"

As Richard made his request, Monte Cristo gave a small nod and poured a glass of wine. He felt even more perturbed by the order, as he felt it was still early for drinking. Perhaps Richard's day had been stressful enough to merit a drink already, and that was what bothered Monte Cristo.

He let the comment on the weather go when Richard did not respond to it. It seemed this would be a more difficult meeting than he had anticipated. After handing the mayor his glass of wine, Monte Cristo took a seat next to him.

"I apologize if the wine does not suit. I'm afraid I have neglected to keep the yacht properly stocked. In fact, I've neglected this yacht itself. Things have been quite busy lately, for you as well as I, I'm sure, and I have only now found an opportunity to use it."

He gave a small, mildly embarrassed smile. "So you see, it was rather selfish of me to suggest the yacht as our meeting place. At any rate, I hope you'll find it adequate."

The count paused, with the slight hope that Richard would respond- not necessarily with anything profound, but enough to show just a glimmer of the mayor's usual self.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Richard took the glass from the count with a nod of thanks but did not take a drink, instead listening to what Monte Cristo had to say. He really was trying to amke conversation and Richard was well aware how difficult he was making it.

"I apologize if the wine does not suit. I'm afraid I have neglected to keep the yacht properly stocked. In fact, I've neglected this yacht itself. Things have been quite busy lately, for you as well as I, I'm sure, and I have only now found an opportunity to use it. So you see, it was rather selfish of me to suggest the yacht as our meeting place. At any rate, I hope you'll find it adequate."

Plantagenet turned to face the count, a somewhat incredulous look on his face.

"I'm perfectly sure the wine will suit, sir. I'm sure you've had more important matters on your mind than what's in your yacht. And as for it being selfish of you to suggest meeting here I disagree completely. To be perfectly honest I simply glad you accepted my request that we meet."

Having said this Richard took a drink from his glass and, having done so, he spoke again, in the tone he adopted quite unlike his own.

"I'm well aware I'm not myself today, and for that I apologize."

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

"I'm perfectly sure the wine will suit, sir. I'm sure you've had more important matters on your mind than what's in your yacht. And as for it being selfish of you to suggest meeting here I disagree completely. To be perfectly honest I simply glad you accepted my request that we meet."

Monte Cristo smiled, both in appreciation for Richard's words about the meeting and because he was glad Richard had finally reacted to something he had said.

He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. "You are right, of course. I haven't had much time for such trivial affairs; I only wish that locating the best wine was the greatest of my concerns." He chuckled. "Moreover, I was glad to hear from you, and I was happy to set aside time to discuss whatever you wish."

"I'm well aware I'm not myself today, and for that I apologize."

Richard confirmed what he had been thinking, but Monte Cristo decided not to make that obvious. "No apology is necessary, Richard," he answered in a pleasant tone. "I only hope you're well. Is something troubling you?" He posed the question carefully, not wanting to seem nosy or offend him.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

As the count spoke and laughed Richard attempted to put himself in a similarly relaxed and casual frame of mind. The task proved difficult, particularly at Monte Cristo's question.

"No apology is necessary, Richard. I only hope you're well. Is something troubling you?"

The mayor took another drink from his wine glass as he thought the question over. How much should he tell? It was unfortunate that there was so much he wanted to tell the count but at the same time knew he couldn't. Yet he'd called this meeting. He needed to say something to make it worthwhile.

"I trust you'll have seen a copy of the Times' latest issue by now," Richard replied at last. "I know it may seem foolish to be so overly concerned with the upcoming election but...I considered Hector Tormei as a close acquaintance."

He said no more for the time being, waiting to see how the count would respond to what he'd already said.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

"I trust you'll have seen a copy of the Times' latest issue by now. I know it may seem foolish to be so overly concerned with the upcoming election but...I considered Hector Tormei as a close acquaintance."

Monte Cristo frowned slightly. He had been aware of Tormei's candidacy, but not of Richard's acquaintanceship with the man. Being challenged for the mayorship, a position that might understandably have some personal significance for Richard would have been cause enough for concern, but that challenger being a friend was even more so. It was a personal betrayal.

The count had read many of Tormei's comments, and noted that a number of them had been directed at Richard and his policies. They had not seemed in poor taste then, but in this new context, they were quite unbecoming of an aspiring leader.

When Monte Cristo spoke, it was in a quieter tone than he had taken before, when he had been joking in an effort to nudge Richard into conversation. Now he was being cautious and tactful. "I find many of the tactics employed in elections questionable, but to endanger an acquaintanceship for the sake of politics is simply inexcusable." He shook his head. "I did not have a very favorable opinion of Mr. Tormei, and now I see that my opinion is justified. This is indeed a regrettable development."

He studied Richard for a brief moment, looking for any sign of falsity. Monte Cristo liked to think that he and Richard got along well, but he still could not bring himself to trust the mayor- or anyone else- quite completely. He had long since learned that everyone had motives, with some more virtuous than others.

"How do you plan to respond?" Monte Cristo asked gently. He had promised to assist Richard, and assist him he would, but he wanted to know what Richard had in mind before deciding how best to get involved.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"I find many of the tactics employed in elections questionable, but to endanger an acquaintanceship for the sake of politics is simply inexcusable."

As the count spoke of questionable election tactics, Richard's conscience decided now was the best time to remind him of how he'd rigged the votes in his run against George. Once again he considered if the count would feel the way he did if he knew all the details...and Richard was very glad he did not.

The fact that the count was on his side and had labelled Hector's actions as 'inexcusable' went some way to lightening Richard's mood. He nodded, giving the count a smile that was somehow resigned and grateful all at once before taking another sip of wine.

He couldn't agree more.

"I did not have a very favorable opinion of Mr. Tormei, and now I see that my opinion is justified. This is indeed a regrettable development."

Richard hadn't thought the count's opinion of his rival would have been unfavourable from the offset, even though Monte Cristo had made it clear he was on his side. This news, therefore, was as gratefully received as before.

"I trust you would be a good judge of character, sir," he said, his smile still in place. He didn't mean it as a jibe against Hector; he genuinely felt judging the characters of others would be something Monte Cristo would be good at...in his profession he had to be, probably. "A regrettable development it is indeed."

"How do you plan to respond?"

That was the problem. Surely someone would have wanted to run for mayor sooner or later; it was inevitable. Richard couldn't be seen to over-react. But this wasn't just anyone. And he hadn't exactly gained power fairly (an understatement if ever there was one). One thing was for certain; the same tactics as before could not be applied (nor divulged to the count). Richard got the impression that Hector would be able to tell if there was foul play and, despite his feelings towards the man, he was reluctant to attempt to cheat him for fear of his own safety.

"That's the problem," Richard said, somewhat more despondently, his smile fading. "I can't help but feel this all comes off as petty...but I'm sure he knows what this position means to me." He paused. Then he said, gaze fixed on his wine glass as if he couldn't bear to face Monte Cristo when he said this, "I feel this is a battle I may not be able to win."

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

"I trust you would be a good judge of character, sir.... A regrettable development it is indeed."

Monte Cristo was glad to see that his comments had cheered Richard somewhat. He gave a small nod of his head at Richard's compliment. It was true, of course, that the count was extremely perceptive, especially when it came to others; that talent had proven indispensable to Monte Cristo in the past, and the opportunity to put them to more positive use here was appreciated. However, he knew he was not perfect at reading others, a fallacy that was exemplified by his ignorance of Richard's true method of obtaining the mayorship in the first place. He had no reason to suspect anything criminal had been involved; indeed, he had not followed the campaign at all, aside from learning its outcome.

He took a drink from his class of water, observing the change in Richard's expression as the mayor considered his response.

"That's the problem.... I can't help but feel this all comes off as petty...but I'm sure he knows what this position means to me."

It was personal, then. Monte Cristo found that he almost wished it was not. Everything was made more complicated by emotions; their methods of response would now be considerably limited. On the other hand, Monte Cristo respected not only Richard's ability to admit his personal investment in the matter, but also the fact that the man had attached such significance to it at all. The count had feared that Richard might have become cold and callous after taking over the post from his deceased brother, and was glad to note that, to all appearances, this was not the case.

"I feel this is a battle I may not be able to win."

For a moment, Monte Cristo's countenance also fell into a small frown. He hated to see Richard so despondent. There had to something he could do.

"Yes, a loss does seem possible," Monte Cristo finally said, his tone grave but gentle. "But the more frustrating possibility is that of resignation and inaction. If the mayorship still appeals to you, Richard, I urge you, do not sit back idly and allow it to slip away. I have said that I will help you; you have only to request it of me, and I will assist you as best I can."

Of course, Monte Cristo had yet to determine how he could help, but he had made enough contacts in New York that he was certain he had some political power, albeit somewhat reluctantly. There was also his considerable, and steadily growing, wealth to pull from. As he thought, Monte Cristo's eyes fell on a port window, and he was almost startled to notice that they were moving. Bertuccio and the crew had gotten the yacht out to open waters, as instructed.

Returning his attention fully back to Richard, Monte Cristo continued, "I can certainly help you finance a campaign. I will also announce my support for your candidacy publicly, if you wish." This was a significant declaration on Monte Cristo's part; such an announcement would mean more time in the public eye than Monte Cristo liked, but he would manage it if it helped Richard's campaign.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

As Monte Cristo took the time to think over what Richard had said, Richard himself did the same. Had it been wise to admit the strength of feeling he had about the election, about Tormei being a part of it all? It seemed he had Monte Cristo's support, but could he trust him to keep it?

He then reverted to a different train of thought.Of course it made sense for him to have told the count how he felt; how else was he meant to understand? But then, he could never truly understand unless Richard told him the whole truth and nothing but the truth about just how he'd gained the position in the first place...and he wasn't about to do that, no matter how despondent and out of spirits he felt.

"Yes, a loss does seem possible," the count said at last. "But the more frustrating possibility is that of resignation and inaction. If the mayorship still appeals to you, Richard, I urge you, do not sit back idly and allow it to slip away. I have said that I will help you; you have only to request it of me, and I will assist you as best I can."

"I don't plan on allowing it to slip away," Richard snapped, the very idea irking him. He then realized just how that had sounded and shot the count the most apologetic look he could muster. The man was just trying to help, and Richard couldn't deny he needed it.

"I can certainly help you finance a campaign. I will also announce my support for your candidacy publicly, if you wish."

The apologetic look on Richard's face turned to one of surprise. The count was willing to do so much for him...and for what? It seemed he wasn't asking for anything in return and, if this held true, in any other situation Richard would have kept it this way and not returned the favour. But with the count it was different. He would pay him back somehow; he felt obliged to.

"You would do that?" he asked, incredulous, before he composed himself. "I can't deny I'm grateful, sir, for these offers, particularly the latter." He sounded sincere, and he seemed to feel that way. "But I just can't help but feel it's too...at odds with Hector's ideals. A Man For The People is generating a lot of support...if you were to help fund my campaign and announce your support of my candidacy, wouldn't it seem too much like an elites only platform?" Then, more hastily, "Not that I'd not accept your proposals, God forbid, don't think that..."

Here he tailed off and took another drink from his wine glass. Where was the old Richard gone, the man who revelled in his plans and plots? This Richard was a wreck who couldn't deal with his own conscience let alone an election.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

"I don't plan on allowing it to slip away."

The vehemence of Richard's response surprised Monte Cristo a bit, but he decided the reaction was justified. Richard had been out of sorts sine he had arrived at the pier, and Monte Cristo should have been more aware of his words. But then Richard's expression changed, to one of apology. Monte Cristo shook his head and gave Richard a slight smile. "Please excuse the poor expression of my thoughts. I didn't mean to make that statement as harsh or suggestive as it turned out to be."

"You would do that? ...I can't deny I'm grateful, sir, for these offers, particularly the latter. But I just can't help but feel it's too...at odds with Hector's ideals. A Man For The People is generating a lot of support...if you were to help fund my campaign and announce your support of my candidacy, wouldn't it seem too much like an elites only platform? Not that I'd not accept your proposals, God forbid, don't think that..."

Richard's surprise was clear, if only for a brief moment. The mayor then pointed out how the public would take such an endorsement as the one Monte Cristo had suggested, while assuring the count that he meant no brush-off or insult. Again, Monte Cristo replied with a smile. He was a businessman, after all; he would not argue with the logic of a sound business decision. "I understand your point, Richard, and it is a valid one. My endorsement could color your platform as being too exclusive." He nodded. "The offer still stands, however, should you decide it would be appropriate in the future."

He took a sip of water while glancing out the window, then went on. "I would suggest, then, some sort of public outreach event, or an effort to gain the support of some influential and respected community members. I have a few connections I could reach out to, but I suspect you may have more." Monte Cristo was still relatively new to the city, compared to the area's lifelong residents; and he was not an incredibly social creature. Most of the acquaintances he had made had been through business dealings, or on random walks through the city. "What are your thoughts regarding your campaign? Are there many aspects in which you have an advantage over Tormei?" the count asked. "Forgive my ignorance of the matter, I have not been paying enough attention to the political climate of late."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Please excuse the poor expression of my thoughts. I didn't mean to make that statement as harsh or suggestive as it turned out to be."

Richard nodded in acknowledgement of Monte Cristo's apology but said nothing, although he knew it was he himself who should be saying sorry.

As the count smiled however, after Richard explained how he felt about his proposed endorsement, Richard returned it, although somewhat hesitantly.

"I understand your point, Richard, and it is a valid one. My endorsement could color your platform as being too exclusive." He nodded. "The offer still stands, however, should you decide it would be appropriate in the future."

"Thank you," Richard replied, with a nod. "I hope you know how much that offer means to me."

"I would suggest, then, some sort of public outreach event, or an effort to gain the support of some influential and respected community members. I have a few connections I could reach out to, but I suspect you may have more. What are your thoughts regarding your campaign? Are there many aspects in which you have an advantage over Tormei?"

Richard nodded again at the count's suggestion, as well as to confirm his suspicions. Despite the fact he had a tendency to isolate himself from others it could not be denied that Richard had a wealth of influential contacts at his disposal. A reason to bring them together was all he needed. It was a start, and one he was grateful to Monte Cristo for providing.

At the mention of his campaign, however, Richard returned his thoughts to the conversation at hand. Thus far he had done little to get it going, simply due to his shock at Tormei's candidacy. His unpreparedness had led to Hector getting the upper hand...but hopefully not for much longer.

"The only way I think I have an advantage over Tormei at present is the many years of experience of my family in the political field, although the policies I introduced over my term haven't exactly reflected that accurately, I admit. Although Tormei is a newcomer to the political arena, he knows how to get the people on his side already."

Edward had always been the more sociable of the two of them, making him well suited to his profession. Richard had preffered to stay out of the spotlight unless necessary. It seemed he hadn't realized in taking on Edward's position of power he would have to change his ways, to a degree.

"Forgive my ignorance of the matter, I have not been paying enough attention to the political climate of late."

"There's no need for me to forgive you," Richard said, facing the count once more. "You have your own business to attend to and your own life to live."