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Chapter 7 - Chapter 5

I wasn't looking forward to the coming events of the day. I had an overwhelming sense that something bad was going to happen. It was evident that we couldn't trust this John Willis. Remembering a phrase my father taught me, "Always follow your gut feeling and trust it will lead you down the right path", I decided to speak with David concerning our security. 

As I walked through the halls, on my way to David's office, I noticed the absence of maids and butlers. This was unusual because they were just there the night before. The atmosphere grew more eery as I walked further from my room. Opting to have a look around, I quickly passed the host's office and rounded the corner. 

The dining room was empty with plates on the table in a perfect place setting. Three seats ready. Adding to the oddity, there were what looked to be portfolios and documents scattered chaotically on the rest of the table.

"Hello, Jesse, my friend and I have been waiting for a while. Surely you know that it's rude to keep guests waiting, correct?" John sat at the head with his legs crossed, a sick smile tugged at his lips. To the right of him was a heavy-set man with a black tuxedo and shades, a scowl decorating his face. To the right, David sat tied to a chair. He was gagged, and his usually perfect hair was disheveled. Upon seeing me, David thrashed and grunted. Consequentially, he was bashed in the head by the heavy set and passed out. 

Maids and butlers lined the walls, all tied up. Some looked beaten, others looked dead, and a few were on the brink. Two men dressed in black stood over them, readied with guns for the first attempt at anything. 

"To be honest, John, I had thought we were going to have a simple, civilized, lunch together, but I guess I was wrong." I wasn't going to let him see my fear. I had to be strong not only for me but for David and the others. "Why is David tied up?"

"Oh he will be released in due time, but for now I want to talk to you and you alone. Oh-- how rude of me, please, have a seat." He motioned for one of his men to ready a seat for me. Cautiously, I made my way over to the chair and sat, not before giving the man a polite nod of thanks. I got a cold look of boredom in return. 

"How about we eat, after all, this is a lunch meeting is it not?"

"Enough stalling, we shall talk. I have no patience for dawdling." I gave him my balkest stare. Another thing my father taught me is; "Don't let your enemy see you". 

"Of course. You see, I'm hurt. I'm hurt because I have been very polite and professional, and you, well you never answered my letters and you even wanted to blame me for the death of your father. Moreso, you were just going to leave without a word, with David." Much to his ignorance, John had just confirmed David and I's suspicions. Despite my thoughts, I kept my blank stare. John seemed annoyed, but a crooked grin soon took the place of the irritated scowl. "Well, I suppose you would like to know how I know this. A bit of advice for the future, don't be so easy to trust." With a motion of his hand, the heavy-set man untied and ungagged David. 

Slowly David stood and stretched, fixing his hair and clothes before sitting back down and looking at me with a wicked smile. "Hello Jesse, did you sleep well, I hope you aren't too shocked by all this, I hope you understand this isn't personal." He must have seen my confusion, "I don't think you understand what is going on-"

"David-"