Revelations

The small beads of sweat on his forehead made its way down as the anxiety climbed.

The aged blue eyes and the weak face was staring back at James as he stood facing the mirror in his room.

There was a knock on the door to which his heart skipped a beat. He was not used to being this unsure of himself.

But the way he didn't crumble under pressure made him live through the war, as depicted by the photo on his table top. 40 years younger version of himself, Mark and Terrence in a frame.

Things have changed since then.

'Come in.'

'Are you ready for the press conference sir?'

'I'll be out in a minute Jules.' he confirmed.

'I'll let them know sir.'

James took the glass on the table and took a sip to end his dry mouth.

His private untraceable phone which was a courtesy of having reach in different

places buzzed.

He never came out of the prison, I had to leave. The voice on the other hand delivered.

The tension just increased manifolds as he heard the news. Without a second thought he kept the phone down. A new calm settled over him. This was his reaction to stress which was not normal. A certain calm, where he left every useless thinking and focus it towards what was necessary.

Much like a cat falling, panicked at first but calm and composed for a soft landing.

Contrary to the man he was inside, the confidence of his frame as he walked through the podium made all the half assed reporters reconsider their purpose.

'Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am here to briefly explain the consensual agreements we have reached during this NATO meet in London.'

He cleared his throat and placed the files handed over by his secretary Julia on the lectern.

This is going to be boring.

James started briefly addressing the history and the basis of NATO which took a good 10 minutes before adjusting the tie and shuffling a few more papers.

He looked at the journalists trying to decipher what could be the worst question and planning a response.

'Now I will begin by stating the points of agreements we reached with the 30 nations in the NATO summit.'

'The points discussed were brief on how US has established a thought out and neutral stance at the summit.

'We have addressed the issue that Turkey had openly declared war against Syria and it might not be in the best interests of other countries. Any aggression based on religion would be considered an act of provocation unless there is oppression from the counterpart side. This makes it quite reasonable to assume that there have been multiple and questionable acts considered as war crimes in this particular case.'

The speech lasted quite a while as many took notes and prepared questions.

Here it comes. James took a sip of water before looking at the crowd with the pleasing and confident smile.

'Any questions?' he asked.

'What are you views on the notion that US should extend its military to Turkey, as they have clearly flouted the NATO norms?'

He looked at the young reporter and put together a well framed answer within seconds.

'It is a powerful notion if it exists at all. Turkey is the bridge between Europe and the war lands of the Middle East. Extending the military to that side would be a risk for most of Europe. It could result in a positive growth rate in terrorism, to consider the worst case even war.

Even so controlling and coordinating such a move requires planning on a large scale along with appropriate funds and responsibilities.

For now, such a move would be considered careless.'

James was a strong believer in assertion of strength. But the situation at hand required the government to put a united front.

'Next question please.' Jules directed.

'What are your views on the White House trying to put off the appointment for the new Secretary of Defence?' a lightly shrill but confident voice sounded.

James' smile dropped ever so slightly.

'The White House thinks that the appointment of the new SoD should be put off. Based on a multitude of reasons it seems to be more detrimental to the interest of our Country as of now.'

Lily sat down a little miffed at the small reaction James gave to her question.

'That was a classic evasion.' she explained to Ethan who could see that clear as day.

'He never gave his personal view. Only what the White House said.' Ethan noted aloud.

Another question followed to which he smiled mischievously and cracked a joke while getting laughs out of the crowd all of this shook of his little annoyance from Lily's question.

That smile was what got him the reputation of being a media loving senator. He was a person used to the antics of media and wove his answers perfectly around it.

'He is probably a good challenge for you as a reporter.' Ethan said as she prepared her next question.

It was true for most reporters. James was a person who could create diversion on the go. Reporters usually never got what they wanted but nevertheless he gave him something which benefit both parties – entertainment. He improved his image with the humor and the TRP climbed charts for those who interviewed him.

He was what people would call a pleasant face.

'We'll see about that.' she said as she stood up to present her next question.

'Recently Oliver Fournier has been arrested in connection with a prostitution racket which involves a few high government officials. It's been known to public that you have been a good investor in his franchise. What is your take on this development?'

Worry creased his inner self as the smile never left his face. But this was a question he was prepared to answer.

He gave out a short laugh.

'I would say what a waste of money. There is a reason I'm not Warren Buffet. I have lost a lot in many shares, I'm more surprised by the fact that it went of for so long.'

He knew how to make theories like this worthless with a method of accept and counter point. There was a reason he was unafraid to get in front of a camera.

But Lily had her own methods, she understood what responses she needed and exactly the kind of question that could reveal it.

'I have a reliable informant telling me that Oliver has been taken to the Washington Detention Centre where he has agreed to disclose a list in return for witness protection. Are you worried your name might be on that list?'

Edward had barely managed to pass this on to Lily to which she timed it perfectly. If the list is inevitable to come out then there is only one reaction for the guilty one.

James felt him loose to his fear.

There is a list? He wondered.

I was positive he would be the one to not give a list. Who all was he planning on naming?

How did I see this not coming? Who is this person and how did she get hold of it?

Is it a bluff?

He looked at her face for a moment.

Definitely not a bluff. I can't afford to have my name in there. Who is this girl trying to question me like this? I need to get rid of him.

The answer, I need to say it.

'I don't know what you're upto miss, but I assure you that list is not going to have my name on it.' James said flat out, his smile gone.

Getting rid of him won't be enough. I need to invalidate the list.

Ordinarily this line of questioning would have been considered as making an enemy out of the person being questioned, but not in his case. He was the media loving senator. There was no way he would have made it into a serious matter under normal circumstances.

Ethan could see it – the beads of sweat, slightly faster breathing, a little more than normal leg movements, shifting his weight around. The typical signs of panic and a reaction of the guilty one.

The reaction of denial.

Lily smiled and sat down triumphant. The media loving senator would have normally responded to it with something like 'It could, if the list comprises of the stupidest stakeholders.'

But this was an uncalled reaction and even though subconsciously, people in the room have started to doubt him ever so slightly – the media loving senator was adamant for the first time. Denying the possibility altogether.

The stage is set. Edward thought as the conference finished with some question and they stood up to file out.

Most of the reporters eyed Lily with an unconcealed hostility. She might have just made one senator who liked to be in front of the media reconsider his next interviews.

'Hey!' a familiar voice echoes from the far end of the room which she tried to muffle out and ignore.

Ethan heard it too but followed Lily's lead as they moved fast paced to the exit. The man was a little too fast and literally ran the last few strides to catch up with them.

'That was a great interview Lily.' He complimented her with a smile.

Ethan looked at him and the fake smile he put up. He was more or less used to it considering how many times people show it, but this one instance he was irritated.

'What do you want?' she demanded, her voice seething towards the former boss to whom she had previously quit in front of.

'I was a serious compliment.' He reiterated.

'I would really like to believe that, but I can't.' Lily said looking straight through the lies.

'I want to give you a job.' He said while ignoring the death stare that Ethan gave him when he said the words.

'I thought we were over that. Last time I was this close to bringing that human garbage down.' She put up her fingers releasing the frustration little by little.

'No I want you to come in as editor in chief and cover this story.' He said with a hint of hope as his voice softened a little at the end. Ethan had caught that.

Lily was surprised and took a moment to answer.

'I thought Erina was supposed to be the next in line.'

'Yes but I can get that remedied. I will put in a word and it will all be good.'

Lily laughed.

'You know I feel sorry for Erina, that she still had to be working in the same company as you are in. You haven't changed and I think there will be times when we will clash. At a higher position you wouldn't think twice before firing me again.'

'You will have freedom to get any content you want for the prime time. There will be no clashes.' he prodded.

'What's the catch?' Ethan cut in to which Matthew gave a positively annoyed look.

'Let's talk somewhere private.' He spoke only to Lily measuring her silence as her indecision.

'Let me guess... No, let me tell you.' Ethan said blocking his arm reaching for Lily.

'Oliver managed to deliver funds to your news room to keep the arrest silent. As a reward to this your company promoted you leaving the current position blank. But you with the experience realized that it was a double-edged sword. If Oliver doesn't get released and makes a confession owing to someone talented in this field,' Ethan briefly looked at Lily 'the news company would be exposed. One who made this all happen by firing Lily was you. Your job will be out of the window in no time.' He bit his lips showing his nervousness.

'Oliver is done for. He has lost his money, credibility and business. There are no more big cheques coming your way from him.

If Oliver confesses, then you know that your agency's name is in there. Within the cutthroat world of media, the only way other agencies get some ratings is by cracking down on your channel. Senators are out of the question because one - they're way too powerful and 2 - they spend millions to keep the news on their side. But if Lily stays in the company, it was her who picked the fight, the news agency takes the hit but now there is a new scapegoat. Instead of you, she would be the one who is fired and you will be left with a warning. A win-win situation.'

He looked at Ethan bewildered.

'Strange isn't it?' Lily said to Matthew.

'Huh?' Matthew replied.

'The way he can put your self-centred thoughts into words.'

'And the way this is going to Erina.' She put up a recorder which had caught the entire conversation.

The color drained from Matthew's face.

'Where do you think she is going with this?' she asked is a mocking curious tone.

She walked out while Matthew stood there mortified.

'Thank you for that.' Ethan said as he caught up to Lily.

'For what?' she asked, her voice a bit shaky.

'For not taking the job offer.'

'Thank you.' she said wiping away one of her tears.

Ethan realized that she was seeing reality for the first time. The way talent and passion were nothing when it comes to position and power.

How people would use whatever means necessary to step up.

'You don't like being used.' Ethan said in a matter of fact way.

'Do you?' she said recovering her voice a little.

'Nope.'

'But you're strong. And he will realize that soon enough.'

She didn't speak as they stopped at the car.

'Let's get a warm cup of coffee.' Ethan said as he took her by the elbow and guided her to the street instead of opening the car.

'So what do you think of the interview?' she asked trying to distract herself.

'It worked out exactly the way I wanted and imagined it to be. I was correct in determining your ability to drag out the best from people.' She looked at him questioningly while they entered the coffeehouse.

'I'll explain it to you.' He said as she showed her to the table.

'What would you like?'

'A hot chocolate.' She said without much thought pondering over what he meant.

He laughed at her preference in this cold weather.

'You're a strange one.' He said to which he smiled and left for the barista.

'I would like a hot chocolate and an americano please.'

'A normal one?'

'An iced americano.' He said and waited for the order to finish.

'How far is the Anacostia river from here?' he asked the lady. She waited a moment before answering.

'I would say about 20 minutes driving.'

'Are you planning to go fishing?' she asked.

'More or less.'

'I think you would need a permit for that.' She stated.

'Oh okay. Thank you.' He smiled lightly at the lady, took his order and walked towards Lily.

He gave her the hot chocolate and sat back.

'What we did there just prevented the assassination of Fournier.'

Her eyes widened as she took and aggressive sip.

'What?!' she asked incredulously trying to ignore the burned tongue.

Ethan laughed at her shock.

'Please warn me next time before dropping such news.' She said surprised at how lightly he took the events.

'But how?'

'Well you see the list is fake.'

'What?' she asked equally surprised, while Ethan gauged her reactions.

'There is no such list. Oliver was keeping quiet hoping the senators to come to his aid. But the situation of panic doesn't give these government individuals the incentive to do charity. The want him dead through an untraceable means. An assassination, but Oliver being the person he is, is too stupid to realize that.'

'What we did there was a bluff.' Ethan took a sip of his iced americano.

'James knows that there are multiple names on the list. Now that he knows a list exists, the only way to make the evidence from Oliver's side sparse would be to get him killed instantly. An assassination as soon as possible. Knowing James he would definitely try to invalidate the list considering the number of ways that exists.'

Lily was confused.

'You're contradicting yourself.' She said.

'But there is a catch. Just before the interview Oliver was taken to the court for his first hearing. From there we got a magistrate order that he will be moved to another prison stating the reason to be his state of crime. In other words, he is out of Washington DC by now.'

'I still don't understand.' She said

'In the interview we stated the Washington Detention Centre was the place he was being taken to.'

Surprise covered her face as the truth hit her.

'There is a decoy van being taken into the detention centre in about an hour.' Ethan said.

'And the only one who needs him dead and knows about this van is James and any assassination attempt made on that van would be proof.' Lily finished astounded.

'The information of where he is actually taken to does not have the media coverage considering the money they received from him all those times and hoping he makes a comeback after being released to give them more money.'

Ah the blindness money causes. Ethan sighed.

'And since, today press release with our interview comes at night there is no way other senators get to this information. James would want little or no contact with any senators since there could be many names and further contact would pose a risk and the more difficult a task would be to invalidate himself.'

Lily was astounded, by the way Ethan was manipulating things like a sculptor with clay.

'Now since we revealed that there is a list at the Washington Detention Centre, all the reporters would be storming there for information, but there would be few cameras. We know that there will be the assassination we can get it live and indict James.' Lily gave her thought to it.

'We do need the footage for that, but we...' Ethan said pointing to both of themselves. 'are not going to be there.'

'What do you mean?' Lily asked.

'I have Liam there who can question and Kawahara will be there who can film the attempt.'

'Where are we going then?' she asked slightly dejected.

'We are going to get that list.' Ethan said while Lily gave a look that demanded clarification.

'Oliver is not saying anything because he believes that these senator would help him. Once he realizes that, the only way to protect himself would be to get a confession for witness protection and a reduced sentence.'

'And he will realize that when he sees a live attempt at his assassination.' Lily finished a smile on her face.

'We would not only have the best footage at indicting James, but also the list which no other news agency would be in possession of.'

Ethan took another sip of the americano while Lily sat there realizing why the CIA was so interested in this guy.

She smiled slightly while Ethan stared at her eyes figuring out what she was thinking.

'But I'm not naming it "The World Times.".' she said trying to dampen her excitement and amazement.

Ethan laughed.

'Name it whatever you want it to. I'm just relieved that we are doing this.'

'Me too.'

Being unsure of this, the first time Ethan came to her this seemed like a mistake to her at first. But looking at Ethan now she realized how things are actually working out.

This man made a team from scratch within days and is training me to become survival capable for the coming challenges. Like a magician. He plays with fate.

Going along with him was the best decision I ever made. Today was a revelation to my dreams.

Suddenly it clicked.

'I got it.' She said to which Ethan raised a questioning eyebrow.

'The name of the site.'

'Which is...?' he asked curious now.

'The Revelation.' She said with happiness evident in her voice.

'The Revelation it is.' He confirmed staring at her.