Chapter 192: Odd Requests

Chapter 192: Odd Requests

“Sir. As you can see from the report, we have had positive GDP growth for 10 consecutive quarters now.”

St. Michael took a sip from his coffee and flipped the page to look over the report noting that the two quarters for which Xenia had ruled the empire, growth was far and above expectations. He nodded, “Very good. Very good.”

His aide continued, “And if you flip the page, you can see the population report showing that our borders have never been more controlled. We have a healthy influx and efflux of people with utmost coordination from the United States.”

“Very good.” Michael continued to leisurely sip his coffee.

“And if you flip the page once more, we arrive at the crime statistics for the empire. Crime is generally down drastically save for one minor exception.” The aide cautiously eyed St. Michael hoping for him to gloss over the details.

However, Michael had been waiting for this part of the report, and he perused it carefully, “Tell me. Why is it that for all of our outstanding achievements, we cannot seem to quell this rampant serial killer? Every week we review trends, and every week the kill count rises. What is it at now?”

“If you are referring to the serial killer colloquially referred to as Jill the Ripper-” The aide was suddenly cut off.

“Of course I am referring to Jill the Ripper! We have excellent economic stats, border control, relatively little political discourse. Our biggest problem is this damn serial killer! People are scared, I am running low on patience, and I want to know what we are doing to counter her.” Michael was clearly frustrated.

The aide nervously replied, “Officially, the kill count exceeds 300 now. Killing has seen a significant uptick over the past two weeks.”

Michael sat silently, and the aide cleared his throat and continued, “Recall, we deemed this a politically fragile topic owing to the fact that it originates with Scorched Shadow. Thus, we have done very little. First General Ulysses Curtis assures our cabinet that matters will be taken care of by the end of the month, which gives him one week. He also assures me he and his men have a foolproof plan with weeks of research they have poured in to stopping this killer.”

Michael cracked his knuckles and leaned forward, “One week. And after that, I am stepping in to handle this. Personally.”

He stood from his desk and looked out the large bay window overlooking the plaza, “I am tired of these senseless killings. I will plan for General Curtis’s failure as he has shown little initiative thus far. And on that note, I am off to train.”This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

He walked around the desk and left briskly leaving his aide with stacks of reports and various files needing St. Michael’s signatures. The aide simply let out a large sigh, “I guess we will sign and verify these policies and procedures at a later time.”

_______________________

Nero walked through the halls of Bella Domina on his way to consult with Xenia after having a series of very unusual phone calls with Constance.

John replied, “Such a small ask, Nero. Will that be all?”

“No. The day after my deposit, I will need an armed security detail present on site at the bank. I will need them to be briefed that there will be an attempted armed robbery of my deposit. Lastly, I will need every single security camera disabled both within the bank and outside the bank for at least five miles.” Nero paused and then said, “Will that be a problem?”

A silence permeated until John finally said, “Consider these requests fulfilled, Nero. But they are a strange set of requests. You want extra security but also less security? And why would you make a deposit if you know someone will attempt to steal it? Would it not be safer in your possession?”

John then followed by saying, “Of course, you do not have to entertain my curiosity.”

Nero grunted, “I am as confused by it as you. I am merely the messenger for these requests; however, the person authorizing them has trust in you, so allow me to tell you this.”

“These come from someone with much more authority than my own. And I believe it is some kind of game set up by the Mistress Khan.” Nero grunted with disapproval.

John had a lightbulb moment, “Ahh, would this not be the same person who borrowed my car?”

“The very same.” Nero grunted in reply.

“I see. I see. In that case, there can be no error on either of our parts. I will see to these requests personally. Thank you, Nero.”

“One last thing Mr. Vand.” Nero held a slip of paper in his hand looking down at a long list of items written upon it.

“Anything. Just name it.” John was unphased at one last request especially given who the requests were ultimately coming from.

Nero grunted and said, “I have a lengthy list given to me that consists of high-grade military equipment mostly comprised of weapons and ammunition. I am going to send a copy of it to you. Please fulfill this order and have it delivered to Bella Domina directly.”

“Without even seeing the list, I can guarantee it will not take long to fulfill at which point I will have it promptly delivered. The world is awash with weapons following the war.” John was relieved to find the last request a particularly easy one.

“I will get to work on these requests at this very second, Nero. Please let me know if I can help with anything else. Have a great rest of your day.”

Nero then hung up the phone without so much as a goodbye, and John sat back in his chair thinking, “So it is true! Xenia borrowed my car. She isJill the Ripper. And she must be bored while regaining her power.”

He smiled with pride as he realized committing himself, his power, and his resources to Nero on a hunch was the best decision he had ever made in his life. He was now untouchable to the rest of the world.