The Ultimatum (1/1)
By Bonnie Rutledge
Starring: LaCroix
Time: Midnight, Friday May 1st, Raven party
When midnight came, LaCroix took a final sip from his glass,
set it aside, then excused himself from his company. He walked directly
to the stage, silencing the entertainment, and took possession of the
microphone.
"I have come to a decision. Nicholas has decided to up the ante in
our contest of wills, and so have I...I have heard many of you dismiss
a monetary reward in favor of loyalty, so I ask myself - what can sway
loyalties? Fear? Guilt?...Ah...the fear of guilt...Let it be known: I
intend to fill CERK's dungeon with a multitude of nameless, faceless
victims. Citizens of Toronto from every age group, every financial
strata, every race and creed. My prisoners will be strangers to you
all, anonymous and separate from this war over the research that consumes
us. From this point on, for every day that passes in which the research
is not delivered to me, I will kill one of these nameless souls. You may
not know them, but they will die based on your actions. The consequences
lie in your hands. It is your decision now. Battle me, battle your
consciences, but I *will* have those notes...one way...or...another."
LaCroix coldly examined the quiet audience for a good minute, then
walked off the stage, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The Raven's
guests parted, no one willing to block LaCroix's path as he stalked out
of the club without another word.
It was quite an ultimatum.
**********************************************************************
Fin for now...
(
geocities.com/~br1035)