Year of the Rhinoceros

Chapter 14: Un Peu du Chose

M. B. Neff ~ 191 Chapter 14 Un Peu du Chose Hello? Is this Keat Linderhart? Yes. Who is this? You don’t know me. Do I want to? No. Why are you whispering? A disguise is necessary. I’m afraid. What do you want of me? I work at the Counsel office. Oh. So, how goes it with you . . . over there? Approaching the verge. I know of your suffering. You? Yes. But do you understand it? We share a bond. I know that sounds silly. It sounds absurd. I’ve fallen in love with your morals, with your need for a cause. I am not a crusader. You should be honored with a statue at least. It was only a simple decision. But you made it with courage. I need an army of you. I’ll do all I can. Why are you calling me then? I’m calling to warn you. 192 ~ Year of the Rhinoceros Is this Mr. Eden? This is not Mr. Eden. The secretary at OWC said a Mr. Eden was investigating my case. Mr. Eden doesn’t care . . . and there is no investigation. What do you mean? Nothing will be done. Ah! The Counsel is . . . at least— They are no different. Hard to believe. Not when you’re here. It’s hopeless then. I am undone. Yes. What did I do to Commissioner Neri in his office? What? Tell me. You took snapshots— How do you know that if you’re not Mr. Eden? Everyone knows. It’s common knowledge, here. Not confidential? No. The OWC address, what is it? It’s, uh . . . on Vermont. I don’t remember the exact address. I’m coming down there, now. No, don’t. I’m on the way. It will hurt both of us. Whoever you are, Neri put you up to this. He is a liar, like you! No, please. Your experience has made you cynical. A lack of it has made you ignorant. Don’t be paranoid. Get an attorney, that’s all. You must— The closer we are pushed to the verge, the more false we become. An attorney . . . please, Keat! I’m going to the Counsel . . . I’ve already talked with Ms. Goodpal. What? And I’m bringing a whole drawer of proof. It will be used to destroy you. M. B. Neff ~ 193 Now you threaten me? No, wait— Marauder! Oh, marauder! ...