Deliver Us Huis
Chapter Twenty

I sat in the newly cleaned downstairs parlor, awaiting General Caliban. It was only 11:45, but I had come down a touch early so as to be ready if he came early. I wouldn’t want to have the impression of having other things to do today.

I wished I had my pocket screen, so I could check a few things. However, I hadn’t wanted to risk it falling into the wrong hands. There was quite a lot of information in that one little device, information that would be devastating in the general’s hands.

I eyed the clock on the wall. 11:49. The General would be here soon. I stood up and fluffed the cushions, straightened the books on the shelves. 11:50

I walked over to the round mirror that sat on the wall. I smoothed my hair, and smiled at the mirror in the most charming and innocent way I could.

Hello General, I’m hiding nothing. You want nothing to do with me. I am as innocent as a child. I practically am a child. I don’t even know how to run my pocket screen, much less operate anything that could blow up a building.

I let the fake smile drop. Being a politician was exhausting. Always posing, always smiling, always pretending you have it together. I was very glad I hadn’t tried a political takeover.

The elevator behind me dinged and I turned to see Caliban enter. I pasted my incredibly fake smile on my face and hurried toward him.

“General, how good to see you, come sit down.”

The General gave me a short bow and then sat on the couch nearest to the stair door. Turning I sat in the chair closest to the elevator.

“What brings you here, general? I asked in my most polite voice, “I would think that such a social being like you would be very busy.”

The general nodded slowly, “I’m afraid I have undertaken a new mission for my political pursuits, perhaps you’ve heard of it?”

I paused, as if thinking, “Do you mean replaceing out who is behind those mysterious explosions?”

The General nodded, “Yes, and I’m afraid one of the delegate candidates is behind the explosions.”

I nodded, “I heard that was your belief, and I must ask, why do you think that?”

The general settled back comfortably in his chair, “I’m no fool. I think that it’s no coincidence these explosions come just before the voting. Someone is playing a game, I just don’t know who yet.”

“Do you have suspicions about anyone in particular?” I asked, tilting my head to one side.

“Every delegate is a suspect,” he said cautiously.

I laughed, “I suppose that includes me.”

He shrugged, “Of course, though your youth practically disqualifies you. This is the work of a mastermind, dear.”

“Indeed,” I said, outwardly calm, but inwardly enraged. Who did he think he was, marching in here and telling me I couldn’t possibly be smart enough. It was enough for me to want to order an Anthrollem down immediately. I’d love to see his face frozen in terror, literally. But instead I kept my calm, and continued initiating conversation.

“And what is the purpose of your visit today?”

The General sat forward, “I have scheduled meetings with all the political candidates. I plan to go around, looking for anything out of the ordinary to investigate.”

“Is that so?” I quipped, “And so, have you found anything out of the ordinary here?”

“No,” he laughed, “But I must admit I didn’t think I would. Still, one must cover all the bases.”

“Is there anything else you need then, general?” I asked.

He slowly shook his head, “Actually, could I have a quick tour of your apartments, just to make sure everything is in order?”

“I’m afraid I’m having renovations done upstairs,” I said, the lie slipping easily off of my tongue, “But you may explore the downstairs to your hearts content. I can even show you around if you need.”

“No,” the general shook his head, “I’m quite sure everything is in order, and I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Behind the general the door to the stairway was creaking open, and there stood Petrus, motioning to me. I quickly looked back to the general, “I do hope you’ll let me know if you catch the criminal behind those awful explosions.”

The general stood, “Indeed.”

I rose to shake his hand, “I’ll feel better once our streets are safe once more.”

I walked him over to the elevator and bid him goodbye as the doors slid shut. I whirled around to face Petrus. I stomped over to him.

“What on earth were you trying to….”

His hand clamped over my mouth, “Not another word.”

Letting go of me he walked over to the table between the couches. Bending down he removed a miniscule chip. He threw it to the ground and began to grind it beneath his heel.

“What was that?” I asked once Petrus had destroyed the little device.

“Microphone. It would have recorded every word we said, along with all the noises upstairs.”

I looked at the smashed device on the floor, “How did you see it? I didn’t even see him put it there.”

“Your job was to play the part of an innocent politician, mine was to watch his every move. I watched carefully, and I’m glad I did.”

“Well, it seems Caliban was much more suspicious than he seemed. At least he didn’t replace anything.”

Suddenly the elevator dinged and Caliban stepped out once again, “Pity, it seems I’ve left something…”

He looked at Petrus, “And who is this?”

Flashing a smile, I glanced from the general to Petrus, “General, this is Petrus my…”

“Cousin.” Petrus said, shaking the general’s hand.

“Interesting,” The general said, “I didn’t know you had any close relations.”

“Really?” I said, heart racing, “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce him earlier.”

The general looked to me, “Funny thing, I’ve been doing some research on all the candidates, and from what I’ve seen you don’t have any cousins.”

“How odd,” I said, smile plastered on my face.

“Furthermore, I replace it extremely odd that you are having work done on nine levels of your apartment, and yet I hear no workers upstairs.”

“Well,” I said shaking my head, but the general stopped me again.

“You also have already found and destroyed my listening device, with such speed I fear you have something to hide. So,” The general pulled out a gun, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to search your upstairs.”

“You can’t!” I sputtered, “That’s a violation of my privacy.”

“I’m afraid the Planet Guard won’t care after I’ve proved you a criminal, so please, ma’am, step back. I’ll be back shortly.”

And with that Caliban disappeared up the unlocked stairway from whence Petrus had just came.