Chapter Fourteen #3
We sat in silence, each of us hanging on to each word, hoping for the next.
It was interesting, to say the least. Thaddeus had a natural talent for public speaking, and so his words had resonated so deeply that I, too, felt part of this controlled ‘global village’.
As if someone inside my brain was whispering for me to trust this man with my life, money, and soul.
I didn’t come here believing that there was an amiable way to gain the range of power that those who sat on the board had. And so, his words weren’t exactly shocking. I just hadn’t thought, in a million years, I’d be privy to such secrets.
Thaddeus seemed to visibly, comically, sag. “That’s a lot of words. Okay, now that that little lesson is out of the way, onto your next task. Exciting.”
He smirked that confident smirk only someone born of power and wealth could have; someone so confident in their capabilities.
He pointed a finger at the folder in Rain’s lap before pulling out a short brown stick from his pocket that could only be a cigar. “Read through it, study it, memorize it. Because as of today, you have your first true task under the Founder’s Society and direct orders from the board.”
I couldn’t help but quirk my brow at the sudden pressure, watching from the side of my eye as everyone else around me displayed a tick of their own to relieve the stress.
Thaddeus, too focused on his cigar, and treating Paris’ concern as a jest, or maybe he just didn’t care, continued to talk as though this was a shallow conversation, “The Kensington family has become somewhat of a thorn in the board’s side.
“Well, they always have been. But as of recently, they are advocating for a ‘Parent Association’ approach to Castle Hill. Planting the seed of eliminating the board to our fellow constituents. You understand why that may very well become a problem.”
He looked around with a pointed look, but I was too busy looking at the envelope Rain was holding.
“You see, these problems… They are best to be pulled out by the roots. There is no need to delve deep into trying to understand.”
“So, any threats to the board, we take care of?” Ajax asked.
Thaddeus answered, “No, not all. Only those that we think would be good practice for you.”
Marigold looked nauseous as Thaddeus continued on. “Who are the Kensingtons? Any information prior to reading the folder?”
The folder in question remained unopened as we all turned away to answer Thaddeus, except I came up blank. I didn’t remember any Kensingtons around Castle Hill, let alone anyone sharing the name.
“King Kensington and Scott Kensington. They are twins in their fourth year here at Castle Hill,” Rain said with confidence and when she finished, Ajax spoke after her, adding in, “King’s on the football team, no nonsense kind of guy. Scott is… on the reckless side.”
Thaddeus seemed to think over their words, taking in a deep drag of his cigar before blowing out the thick air. He pointed at Ajax and nodded to Rain. “Next time, lead with that. Facts, I can get with the snap of my finger.”
I could see the red burning on Rain’s cheeks as he spoke, and Ajax almost looked guilty for it. Not exactly a friendship but it was something Thaddeus should consider.
Besides that, King and Scott are names I’d never heard before and I was fully prepared to plan out my study session for the evening when Thaddeus spoke directly to me, “Sasha… what will happen now?”
“I’m sorry?”
“With what you know about the Kensingtons. Walk me through what happens now.”
I gritted my teeth, knowing exactly what he wanted me to prove to those around me.
“We silence them.”
He smiled. “Precisely. Walk me through how you’d go about that.”
And so I did, speaking without consideration or plan, the words spilling from my mouth as if memorized and rehearsed, “I’d go after Scott.
If he’s reckless, he’s bound to make mistakes, spill mistakes.
If he can offer something of usefulness about his family, their wealth, they’ll be forced to focus on repairing their reputation rather than repairing the structure of Castle Hill. ”
He tilted his head and turned to watch me with chilling indifference. “And does it need repairing? Castle Hill?”
I shook my head, knowing what he’d wanted from me. “No, sir.”
He nodded to Marigold. “And you, Marigold? How would you do it?”
Marigold took ages to speak, though I could tell it wasn’t to form an idea.
She was simply timid. “Well, if the Kensingtons no longer had… children in Castle Hill, they wouldn’t be able to have a word of opinion on its governing body.
There are methods of coercion in having them drop from the academy. ”
I turned my head with wide eyes and parted lips to Rain sitting next to me, and she met mine with a I told you so look.
I believed she had a sinister mind, not out of fallacy, but because I’d seen it for myself.
But Rain was correct in seeing straight through Marigold’s mask far before anyone else.
She may stumble over her words, shuffling slowly when she got uncomfortable, but her mind was sharp and very much alert.
August chuckled nervously, fidgeting before fanning the sweater he was wearing. “Sorry, is it hot in here or is it just me?… Just me?… Right.”
He continued to nod to himself for the next thirty seconds before I gave up counting and returned my gaze to Thaddeus.
Malevolence danced in his eyes. “Well, I’ve given you all a small push in the right direction.
You have until your break.” He stood and threw on his coat, as quickly as he’d arrived, he was leaving.
“I always had a knack for the dramatics, but I shall give you all creative liberty if you prefer something swift and quiet.”
With those parting words, he sealed our fate for the next two months.
Marigold didn’t speak again that night.