There Let Him Sink {Monte Cristo & Richard} FIN

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

Now it was time to develop a strategy regarding the election. Monte Cristo had stated several times that he would help in any way possible, and he meant to stand by those words. This included his offer of endorsing Richard publicly, should the need or want for such an action ever arise.

"Thank you. I hope you know how much that offer means to me."

The comment did not go unnoticed at all; Monte Cristo responded to it with another small nod of his head. No greater response was needed, in his opinion. Nor did he wish to delve much deeper into such a potentially emotional discussion. His mind was set to logic at the moment; additionally, he knew Richard was in a somewhat capricious mood, and did not care to risk upsetting him.

Regarding the counts suggestion, it seemed Richard did have some contacts he felt he could count on. That would make an excellent support base if all went as expected. The next issue was that of Richard's strengths over Tormei's.


"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."

Monte Cristo nodded, not in agreement with all of Richard's words, but in understanding of what the man was saying. "That is what you will have to emphasize. I'm certain the comparison of experience, even handled in a positive manner, will be an asset to your image." His words were probably nothing new to Richard's ears, but he felt he would briefly give his opinion on the possible strategy.

The count paused for a sip of water. "Have you considered challenging Tormei to a debate? Such an event would give you an opportunity to display your familiarity with politics and the way they are truly handled. You would run the risk of him using his personality to blindside the voters, but I suspect that tactic would be easily rebutted through the virtue of your political experience."

"There's no need for me to forgive you. You have your own business to attend to and your own life to live."

Monte Cristo chuckled, somewhat inwardly. It was true; his inattention to the political- and social, and largely general- climate of the city could exclusively be b;lamed on his work. He briefly thought to himself that he should get out more. "That is, perhaps unfortunately, more accurate than I care to admit." He offered a small smile with the comment. It occurred to him that his business and his life were very much one and the same, but his life and how he managed it were not at issue at the moment. Richard had visited to discuss his campaign; that was what they would discuss, for it freed Monte Cristo from having to discuss or consider his own troubles.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"That is what you will have to emphasize. I'm certain the comparison of experience, even handled in a positive manner, will be an asset to your image."

Richard nodded; although these words were familiar to him it amde sense, and he was glad Monte Cristo had said it aloud, although he probably guessed Richard had heard it all before. It helped, somehow.

"Have you considered challenging Tormei to a debate? Such an event would give you an opportunity to display your familiarity with politics and the way they are truly handled. You would run the risk of him using his personality to blindside the voters, but I suspect that tactic would be easily rebutted through the virtue of your political experience."

Richard almost didn't hear Monte Cristo's comment on the truth of his previous statement about his own business as the idea the count had proposed began to take shape in his mind. It was, simply put, an excellent idea. As the count had mentioned there was an element of risk involved, but it was a risk Richard would be willing to take, particullarly at this point. He knew where his strengths lay, knew his strengths as an orator. There was a possibility, a probability even, that he could make this work.

He suspected his elation had shown on his face if the sudden relief he felt inwardly was anything to go by. He turned to face Monte Cristo, breaking into a smile.

"I believe you may have found a solution to my problem," he said, with a small laugh. "You say there is a risk but I'd be willing to take it."

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

Through the growing expression of interest on Richard's face, it became clear that Monte Cristo's suggestion regarding a debate was a viable and appreciated one. Like any plan, it had its faults, but Monte Cristo was sure those faults could and would be overcome. It seemed Richard was of the same opinion, as the man responded with a much brightened affect and tone. The count was glad to see Richard's spirits lifted even just a little.

"I believe you may have found a solution to my problem. You say there is a risk but I'd be willing to take it."

Monte Cristo nodded in agreement. There was not much he could do to help with the debate itself; perhaps he could aid in its setup financially and through the connections he had, though he was sure Richard was capable of doing the same on his own, and probably better than the count could manage. He could also provide support behind the scenes, but helping to prepare Richard for a debate was beyond the scope of his understanding of politics, and he doubted the man would need it much anyway.

He chuckled in response to Richard's small laugh, glad to hear the sound from him. "Excellent. If that is what you wish to do, I would be glad to help in any way possible, though I am certain you are far more familiar with the procedures regarding such a debate than I am." He made the comment with a smile. "Do you have any other concerns, or thoughts on the upcoming race?"

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

The count seemed as pleased at Richard did in that his idea had been taken to with such evident appreciation. As he nodded in agreement with Richard's words the mayor was already considering just how the event would play out if it came to fruition. As the count spoke however he managed to jerk himself back to the here and now in time to hear his words.

"Excellent. If that is what you wish to do, I would be glad to help in any way possible, though I am certain you are far more familiar with the procedures regarding such a debate than I am."

"In simply giving me the idea I believe you have helped enough," said Richard, in a manner that showed he was grateful yet at the same time not rejecting a further offer of assistance. "However if I think of any way in which you could be of assistance I shall be certain to get in touch."

Confidence renewed to a degree he took a more leisuirely drink from his wine glass before replied to the count's query.

"Do you have any other concerns, or thoughts on the upcoming race?"

"Tormei's candidacy is my main concern," Richard said, the smile on his face fading a little, though not entirely. "Otherwise I only hope that this idea of yours works as well as I hope it will."

Richard did have other concerns, but he wasn't about to voice them. Concerns that, if Hector did win, his newfound power would somehow enable him to unravel his plans against Edward, and similar. But despite the fact he seemed to trust the count, and truly respected him, he wasn't about to reveal all he'd done.

ooc: Sorry this is so late! D:

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

It seemed to Monte Cristo that Richard was more at ease than he had been at the start of their meeting, a change that the count noted with relief. Monte Cristo had been very concerned by Richard's unusual behavior, and while the mayor had not completely returned to his usual self, or rather the self Monte Cristo was familiar with, his affect did seem brighter and he appeared more relaxed at the presentation of an idea that could solve his problem. Monte Cristo asked whether Richard had any other concerns, which it turned out he did not.

"Tormei's candidacy is my main concern. Otherwise I only hope that this idea of yours works as well as I hope it will."

Monte Cristo nodded and allowed a small smile to spread across his face. "I truly believe that it will." His tone was confident, assured of success. The debate would not be an easy, flawless tactic, but with the odds in Richard's favor, the count had little reason to be very worried. It occurred to him that it was odd how concerned he was about Richard winning the race, since he had no stake in it aside from ensuring that an able-minded candidate remained in charge of the city.

His eyes drifted toward the nearby window. "We're some distance from the pier. Perhaps you would like to join me on the deck and enjoy the weather and seclusion for a while, before I have the crew turn back," he suggested. The weather was still quite nice, and being the sailor that he was, Monte Cristo preferred to be outside, to feel the vessel cutting across the water; but he would understand if Richard elected to remain below deck, and there was a lovely view through the windows around them as well.

If Richard opted to venture outside, Monte Cristo would lead the way to the deck; otherwise, they would remain seated and the count would instruct his crew to steer them back to land.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"I truly believe that it will."

Monte Cristo's confident tone was, Richard had to admit, a great comfort. Having confirmed the count was on his side was reassuring enough, but for him to offer a solution to the trouble of Tormei's unexpected candidacy was an added and pleasant bonus.

He nodded as the count did and, having done so, drank the last of his wine and set the glass down. It wasn't as though his confidence was fully restored (he doubted it ever would be until the election was over and he was still in office) but he certainly felt a great deal more at ease.

"We're some distance from the pier. Perhaps you would like to join me on the deck and enjoy the weather and seclusion for a while, before I have the crew turn back,"

Had the question been posed earlier it would not have appealed, yet now Richard felt the suggestion to be just what he needed. He'd kept himself cooped up in his office as late for far too long.

"That sounds like an excellent idea," he replied, his smile growing again. "Lead on."

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

Now that the troubles that had prompted this meeting had been somewhat sorted, the trip could be enjoyed for its other aspect, a brief sojourn away from the business of the city. Monte Cristo did not attempt to hide the slight relief he felt upon hearing Richard accept his offer to venture outdoors, partly because he was a sailor at heart but mostly because it further indicated a change for the better in Richard's mood and outlook.

"Very well." The count's words were formal, but his tone carried an air of sincerity and lightheartedness. After placing his glass of water on a counter, he led Richard up the short flight of stairs that led to the deck, where a couple of his staff could be seen manning the yacht. There were plenty of chairs arranged on the deck, some similar to lawn chairs and others with more comfortable padding. Monte Cristo waited for Richard to choose a seat before he did so as well.

Settling into the chair, Monte Cristo unfolded a pair of sunglasses and nudged them over his nose. The weather was still clear and cool, and just bright enough to justify the shades. "Would you care for any more refreshments? You are most welcome to anything Bertuccio can ferret out on this poor vessel," he said, making the last statement with a self-deprecating chuckle and a casual gesture toward his head of staff, some distance away.

Turning to Richard again, Monte Cristo asked, "Aside from politics, have things been well?" The question was meant more as a conversation filler than an in-depth discussion of Richard's life. Monte Cristo trusted his staff not to discuss anything they might see or overhear, but he understood well that the same level of trust might not necessarily be afforded them by others.

[Ok, that was a ridiculous wait. I'm sooooo sorry about that. =/]

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Richard followed Monte Cristo as best as he was able up the stairs and out onto the deck. The weather had improved, it seemed, the sky was much brighter, and not just in a literal sense.

The mayor took a seat as the count did, smile still in place. Not only was he relieved to have Monte Cristo on his side but now he had a plan with which to go forward in the election. All seemed well again.

"Would you care for any more refreshments? You are most welcome to anything Bertuccio can ferret out on this poor vessel,"

Richard shook his head.

"No thank you," he replied. "I'm quite content for now,"

"Aside from politics, have things been well?"

"Compared to politics, things have been very well indeed," Richard replied, with a small laugh. Of course he was lying; he wouldn't have been if his conscience hadn't been tailing him. But Monte Cristo wasn't to know that.

ooc: That's perfectly fine. (: Sorry for this Post O' Fail...study leaves is a-hurting my brain. ):

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

The day was just right for a trip on the water, as many days past had been; Monte Cristo was glad that this one, at least, he had not wasted indoors at his desk, poring over financial records and the like. On the deck, Monte Cristo settled into a chair and asked Richard whether he would like refreshments, which the mayor declined. Monte Cristo gave a nod at this and left his staff to continue their duties manning the yacht.

He then asked how Richard had been faring, aside from the obvious. "Compared to politics, things have been very well indeed."

Monte Cristo watched Richard's face carefully, but the man's face gave nothing away, and the small laugh that accompanied his words seemed to show that he was in fact at ease. For a moment, Monte Cristo considered asking how he was coping with Edward's death these days, but decided not to broach the topic. The day was going well enough already; why spoil it with talk that would be unnecessary, that would likely get neither of them anywhere? While the mystery of what had happened that night at dinner still intrigued him, he had decided it was not worth risking one of the few friendships he had made in the city so far.

So instead, Monte Cristo made a few comments on inconsequential things, like the recent weather patterns and the rise and fall of stocks, and soon they had a light conversation going. After a while, the yacht would head back to land, retreating below deck before either could be seen. Back in the city, everything would be as it always was, though hopefully Richard would return with more confidence in and a new plan for the upcoming election.


[Fin for MC! =)]