The Board – Part 14
When Aidan got to work the next morning, he knew Richard’s seat would be empty, but he didn’t expect to see the rest of the seats unoccupied. Horatio stood in front of the large windows, gazing out over the city the way he always did during meetings. Without turning around, the older man spoke.
“Welcome, Aidan. You know where to sit.”
Aidan smirked, ready to face what came next. It was time. He remembered everything now and how he got there. He knew why and how, and what he needed to do to solve this issue once and for all.
Before Aidan could say anything, Cassidy walked in, but the sullen beauty of a young, distraught woman was replaced with a cold, hard stare. It was still hard to believe she was the evil they fed in this place for centuries, but Aidan had to acknowledge the brilliance in it. Cassidy would be the last guess anyone would have.
Cassidy sat down across from him instead of her usual spot next to him at the table. It didn’t matter anymore. Both sides would finally be honest and the real conflict would begin.
“So,” Cassidy began. “You were the meat suit for our angelic infiltrator.”
“Never guess you’d take this form,” Aidan said, letting his eyes subtly slide over her.
The corners of her mouth curled up before she spoke again. She was loving everything about this.
“How did we not detect you, Aidan?”
Aidan shifted in his seat and looked over at Horatio.
“Horatio, are you going to join us at the table?”
The older man turned, first looking at Aidan and then glancing at Cassidy before turning back to the window.
“I’m fine where I am,” he said after a beat.
Aidan returned his attention to Cassidy and explained, “I didn’t know my mission right away. I didn’t remember my life before I was placed here. I really had a mother, and I stole her money. But it was all part of the plan. Something pushed me to do these things so I’d end up here. I was planted in this body and couldn’t know my true mission until it was time.”
Cassidy glared at him waiting for more but when he didn’t continue she spoke.
“And what? Your divinity just springs back when God decides it’s time?”
“Sort of,” Aidan continued. “The dreams started when I began working here. I guess being around your true nature triggered mine.”
“And what is my true nature?” Cassidy purred.
Aidan laughed. “Are you going to play this game?”
“It’s not a game,” she said in a low voice.
“Was Cassidy a real person before you took over?”
“Of course she was real,” Cassidy answered. “But she was weak and miserable, and absolutely perfect for the job. No family and no desire to live anymore. She sacrificed herself willingly. Made it easier for me to keep tabs on everything here.”
At that moment, Horatio began walking toward the large round boardroom table. He leaned forward, getting close to Aidan before he spoke.
“You know, I don’t know if I’m impressed or angry that you snuck past me. Placing you in a human body and making you forget your true self was brilliant. I’ve never failed before now.”
Aidan met Horatio’s eyes.
“And what happens if you fail, Horatio?”
Horatio’s eyes lingered on Aidan for a few minutes before the older man walked back to the window.
“So let’s begin, shall we?” Cassidy said, leaning in.
Featured image by Yuri_B on Pixabay
