!! Trigger Warning !!
"Have your parents ever told you what type of party they were attending back then?" I shook my head.
I never found any interest in the topic so I have never asked.
"Well, it turns out that it wasn't really a party."
"What? Then what was it?"
"A meeting of some sort. Royals from all over the world were present including our president and prime minister and on that day your mother was taken."
"But how is that possible? The place was supposed to be tightly secured."
"That's what we are trying to find out." Mark jumped in. "-But it appears that no one kept records of the assigned security back then and that makes it all ten times scarier. Whoever it may be, has been plotting this for years."
"I see. Hazel, could you request permission to receive the footage of that meeting? If they need my signature, yell and I'll be there." Nathan stifled a laugh then cleared his throat.
"Yes, sir." He nodded with his usual poker face then walked off.
"Nathan and I will keep digging," Mark said. "-What are you planning now?"
"Well, I thought maybe I should talk with our president. I planned to tighten our security anyway so it's a great opportunity."
"Alright, good luck."
"You too." I immediately got to work. Fishing out my phone from my back pocket, I called the president.
The line connected after three rings.
"Look who calls only when he needs something."
"I need all the information that you have about the last time that you saw my parents."
"Is that how you greet family nowadays? Damn son, you must be a handful."
"Firstly, I am no son of yours. Secondly, will you do it or not?"
"Of course... not! Who do you think you are? You call me out of thin air, talk to me as if I owe you something, and demand nearly impossible things."
"And why is that? Hmm?"
"Am I being interrogated for something that I haven't done?"
"You will be if you keep this up. I doubt the CIA would like to witness your history with drug dealing... Uncle."
"Look here, kiddo!"
"No, You listen, and you better listen well. If you truly aren't hiding something, Mr. Presiden, I want all the details of that day and I want some of your guards here as well." He laughed so loud that I had to distance the phone from my ear.
"My brother raised a cannibal! And what if I say... No, go fuck yourself. What are you gonna do then? Get your daddy to defend you again?"
I released my own laugh.
"Let me tell you in very explicit detail. A), I'd personally arrange a meeting with you to speak about possible negotiations, and tell you what, no one will stop me. You probably forgot that I am the Prince of this country, yeah? Not even you will touch me and if you do, the following will happen; Once we get to your office, I'll tie you to the chair after knocking you out, I'll punch you in your nasty high face when you regain consciousness, break an arm or two, let's not forget your precious legs. I'd grab the nearest sharp object which is usually a pen and send it straight to your eye as a gift. I hope you do have scissors because I will need those as well since I plan to carve out every single sin you have ever done on your greasy flesh. Shall I give you a few examples, you child-rapist-abusive-psychotic mother fucker? Should I continue? I am quite creative with torture." Silence met my ears.
I could smell his fear and shock through the screen.
"H-how d-did you find a-about t-that?" He asked with a quiet cracked voice.
"Did you forget who you are talking to? My father doesn't hate people just because his older brother stabbed him in the back twice so I had to find out why and to my surprised, the list is quite long. You think the people will let you stay the president when they find out about this?"
"Is this a threat?"
"No, Mr. President. It's a warning."
After a few moments of silence, he said, "Fine. Send me the details."
"Oh, and one more thing. I really hope that you have recorded this conversation because so did I."
"Wait, what-!" I disconnected the call.
I sighed. Speaking with him was never easy, but it became much easier after I found out what he had done. At least now, he knows that I can ruin him from the inside and out.
At least I blew off some steam off my system.
After sending everything I need to my uncle, and screen-shotting it as proof of our honorable negotiations, my stomach decided to call out for help.
It's been a long day and I feel exhausted after this conversation so I gathered my remaining strength and dragged myself to the dining hall where everyone was already seated, and the food was already served.
"What took you so long?" Nathan asked once I took my seat at the head of the table.
"The President wasn't in the right mood a talk so it took a bit longer to convince him of my humble requests." Nathan laughed, knowing very well of my uncle's position.
"I see, Am I right to believe that everything went well?"
"You are right to believe indeed, my friend." Ending our conversation there, I turned to face the people who have stood my side this entire time. Grabbing my glass of red wine, I raised it so everyone could see.
"Thank you for the support and help. I am grateful to have people like you by my side at a time like this. It may not be the right time to celebrate but I want to mark this as our new trusted partnership and future collaborations." Everyone raised their glass with their favorite drink and then cheered.
"La-Haim!" Mark yelled and we followed.
"Cheers!" Glasses were clicking and our most favorite dishes were eaten little by little. Small talk and a few cranky jokes were presented at dessert releasing small chuckles onto the table.
This is a night that I will never forget.