Money Maketh Man

. . .

42,000 meters off the ground, a private plane headed for Japan conquered the skies. By the window, its first of two passengers gazed into the clouds causing the slight turbulence.

"What happened? Why isn't there any explosive news yet? Different news outlets should have had it covered by now."

The other companion, who was maintaining a decent posture—standing amidst the instability of their flight, gazed down before answering.

"It seems that every media outlet wants to be canny about handling this issue."

"Canny? That's new. I expected them to dive recklessly right into reporting it."

"I think it's because we sent this tip off anonymously. News agencies won't consider us as credible sources."

As if talking to the clouds, the seated passenger scoffed. "Credible sources? I wonder how credible those sources are."

"Perhaps, undeniably credible since they can convince people into one hundred percent 'believing their lies' with zero percent proof."

"I hate to believe that's true."

The second person cleared their throat after witnessing such a grim expression.

"Besides, CEO Lin is a prominent person in the country. I'm sure they'd want to research on facts first before releasing anything to the public."

"That's bullcrap."

The following minutes stretched as silence engulfed them both. With the high altitude's pressure popping their ears, the roaring engines were incapable of muffling their loud thoughts.

After some time... after some thoughts were through and gone, the first person made those thoughts known.

"It's funny how they all turn into cowards depending on whom they're going up against with. Had she been less powerful... this would be a timely lunchtime gossip by now."

Their eyes wandered aimlessly into the skies. Soon, both pairs were lost in the sea of water vapor.

These clouds, however, were incapable of absorbing their wordly thoughts.

"Power struggles make it apparent how the mentality of people never seem to change. This world reeks of greed."

"That is indeed unfortunate. What should we do? Please tell me your orders."

The first person shut the window shade down, already sick of trying find a hint of optimism within the heaven-like view outside the window.

"Give them what they want. If they consider money as power, then so be it. Hand them blank checks and let them decide for themselves how much their souls are worth. Money does its job like wonders so make sure every single citizen hears this story: Heartless CEO overlooks bomb threat; endangering hundreds."

"Right away…"

***

"Not a chance."

With four heads bowed in front of her dainty figure, Zeirenne held her head up. Not even a trace of uncertainty scarring the edges of her proportionate face.

The worlds of these four men who'd been scrapping their knees for forgiveness were about to change in the most unexpected way. They just didn't know it yet.

"Why would I even send you to prison? You didn't do me any damage," she spun her eyes around the junkyard. It landed on the shabby van, reminding her of an unpleasant memory. "Except of course when you covered my face with that disgusting sock. Whoever owns that sock deserves the electric chair."

Ignoring the scalding pavement beneath their knees, they surveyed one another.

All of them had similar thoughts and it became apparent from their expressions. None of Zhi Lin's words made sense to them at first 'listen.' Just like their first encounter with her.

"Then... if you're not here to put us behind bars, what do you want?" Luisito asked after finding the courage to step up and face their greatest worries.

"I'm here to offer you a job."

Everyone fell silent except Luisito who had a different idea in mind.

"I thought you were different," he said on gritted teeth, "Turns out you're one hell of a two-faced snake as well."

Zeirenne shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, thank you for noticing my unique charms. But how in the world does offering a job make me a snake?"

"You're here to taunt us about that incident, aren't you? Now that you're here, it's obvious where this conversation is heading."

"And where is that?"

Luisito clenched his fist as he bit his tongue.

"Somewhere closer to the fires of hell."

"Oh," Zeirenne nodded her head, "That's a good analogy. But please do explain. I'm not catching up."

"Come on! Stop acting innocent! We know you're here to blackmail us about that... t-that forsaken day! You'll ask us to do all sorts of crimes."

Luisito stepped forward to meet Zeirenne eye to eye. "But this is where it stops. I'd rather go to prison than be held by someone's leash."

The four men of their knees brought their gazes up. With eyes wide from surprise, one of them walked his knees towards Zeirenne. He grabbed her leg as his hands rubbed against each other.

"I'll do anything! Please!" His eyes flew around the corners as if in a stupor. "I-I can even kill someone if you want me to!"

"Really?"

"Y-yes."

Luisito turned to face him in aggression. "What are you saying, Matthew?! Are you crazy?!"

Zeirenne smirked.

"Then kill him."

Him?

Matthew looked at Luisito. Just like each and everyone of them, his eyes welled up with tears—and hands shook terribly.

Luisito was like a father to him. From the crowd that saw him as nothing but a terrible menace to the society, Luisito took him in. Like the rooting father he never had, he believed in him.

And now... his life's worth of decision came earlier than he'd expected.

There was no way he could kill Luisito. But neither was he ready to spend his life in jail.

With a broken voice, he asked once again, praying for a different answer. "W-who? W-ho am I... Who am I supposed to kill? M-miss Lin?"

"Kill yourself."

As confusion struck everyone, one of his fellowmen found the courage to stand on his feet. "You're the worst! Get out of here!"

Dylan knew it was Jonas, the youngest. He held the boy back from attacking Zeirenne.

"This one." Zeirenne continued, "This very persona of yours who's begging me right now... kill him. I don't need a desperate man who'd do everything just to save himself from the mush of this muddy earth. If a coward like him gets to roam around pulling others into their darkest side... this world would be worse than it already is."

"So, please..."

She looked straight into his eyes.

"Kill him...

Kill him before he kills everyone you love...

Kill him before he kills the real Matthew."

. . .