The Election Read Online Free Page B

assumed world control, cash as a form of payment would no longer be accepted.
    â€œRandolph, Pierce, how are you?” asked Milton, shaking hands.
    â€œWe are both well,” responded Pierce, his voice deep and rich.
    â€œShall we sit down?” Randolph suggested as he moved toward the table in the center of the room.
    Randolph began the meeting by describing the new Cannibal software, the user numbers, and how the software worked into their plan. Pierce and Milton listened intently as Randolph described how computer chips with the Cannibal software could be implanted into Milton’s credit cards.
    â€œYou see,” Randolph explained, “we are close to world supremacy.” Pierce and Milton nodded in agreement, and Pierce smiled broadly.
    â€œEverything appears to be in place,” Pierce noted after Randolph’s presentation. “We are closer than we’ve ever been to reaching our goal. We can’t let anything interfere with our objectives, and we can’t take any risks. That being said, what do you think we should do with James Davidson? Do you think he’ll keep quiet about us?”
    â€œIt was brilliant on our part to have both a Republican and Democratic candidate,” Randolph replied. “Davidson came close, but he simply couldn’t generate the excitement and support in the Republican party that Burke did among the Democrats. Davidson is of no value to us since he lost the Republican nomination to Foster.”
    Randolph caught the other two Federalists’ eyes as he continued. “There’s really no need to keep Senator Davidson around. He knows too much about our plans. I, for one, don’t trust him. I think it’s time he met a fate similar to Governor Franklin’s.”
    Milton and Pierce were both silent. They looked away from Randolph’s penetrating glare.
    â€œWe’re in agreement then,” Randolph announced when there was no debate. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
    â€œIs that all for today?” Milton asked as he stood to leave.
    â€œWe do have one other problem that needs to be addressed,” stated Randolph matter-of-factly.
    â€œGo on,” insisted Milton as he returned to his seat.
    Randolph watched each of his partners intently as he described the last remaining obstacle to world domination and recommended how to eliminate it. He watched carefully for any sign of disagreement. Pierce was of no concern; the man wasn’t brave enough to cross Randolph. If there were to be a problem, it would come from Milton.
    The room grew momentarily silent when Randolph finished speaking. Pierce’s face showed only submission. However, Milton—as expected—appeared concerned. But since Randolph was convinced of the problem’s resolution, he refused to be challenged. He set his face in its most unwavering expression to convey an unspoken message to Milton: On this issue there is no other option. We must follow my recommendation for our own safety…and the implementation of the plan.
    â€œCollateral damage?” Milton inquired. Looking anguished, he rubbed his nearly bald head.
    â€œIt will be kept to a minimum,” assured Randolph. He discerned Milton’s capitulation and knew his message had been received. A small assurance, and the pact would be sealed. “We only desire to eliminate the problem, not create new ones.”
    Milton stood up, put his coat on, and left the room without saying good-bye to Randolph or Pierce. Randolph knew that nothing else would be said, or needed to be said. The matter was closed. The last remaining obstacles would soon be removed.
    After Milton left, Randolph placed a call, dialing the number from memory. Only a few words were spoken. But with those few words, the process to eliminate what the Federalists believed to be their last remaining obstacles was set in motion.

CHAPTER THREE
    Reed residence, Jackson, Tennessee
    Jake Reed would have