Interlude Forty-Four: Paul Drake (Patreon)

Paul let the gate to Charles Meadows’ home swing open.

The lawn looked well cared for. Paul remembered his last visit here - not long before the Tanisport raid. More than a year ago.

The man he’d come to meet was in the backyard, flipping burgers over a grill. The smell of barbeque brought back memories of a happier time - back when Franklin Pierce had brought all of them together, Charlie and Paul and the rest, and laid out his program for rebuilding the Association. Transforming the city and finding jobs for thousands of members, all tapping into Aldiss’ campaign promises - promises which the Mayor had, at least initially, intended to keep.

After the attack, far too much had changed.

“Charlie,” Paul smiled in greeting. “How’ve you been.”

Charlie Meadows did not return the smile. “Paul. Long time.”

“Sorry about that. Been occupied.”

“I heard. You fell out with Peaks.”

“That’s true enough. As I recall, you didn’t like him much either.”

Meadows turned to the side and spat.

“I’ll take that for agreement.”

“Just because me and Peaks don’t get along, Paul, it doesn’t mean I’m on your side.”

“I understand. I’m hoping you’ll join me in putting up a vote of no confidence.”

“And then what? Vote for you as president?”

“I daresay I’d make a better choice than Goldie Peaks.”

Charlie Meadows crossed his arms and stared back. “That’s not saying much.”

“If you have an alternative candidate in mind, I’d be okay to hear your reasons.”

“I do. Me.”

Paul paused, surprised. “You’re planning to run?”

“I am. I’ve already lined up backers.”

“I see.” Drake paused. “Are your backers fixated on you as president? Because we need a veep, a secretary and a treasurer as well.”

“I’m not playing second fiddle to you, Paul. And no, I’m not looking to have you on my ticket either.”

“Come on, Charlie. We’ve known each other for nine years. What’s the deal?”

Meadows sighed. “I’m just not comfortable working with you, Paul. That’s it.”

“I’d appreciate a better reason than that, Charlie.”

The other man remained silent.

“Come on. You had no problem working with me on the pitch to Aldiss. What’s changed?”

“It’s not something you can fix.”

“At least tell me. If I’ve done you wrong, tell me so I can make amends.”

Meadows’ shoulders slumped. “It’s not you, Paul. It’s your boy.”

“.... My boy? He’s not even in the Association.”

“He studied at Everard last year, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Well, maybe you should’ve asked why he was bullying my son.”

… What? “Charlie, I don’t know anything about that.”

“Bullcrap. The school tells parents about any bullying. You’d’ve been called in to meet the principal at least. Even if you were sick.”

“.... Charlie, I was in a coma.”

“Come on. You’d’ve been in hospital then, not home care.”

“Charlie, they didn’t have space in the hospital after the attack. My kids picked me up and brought me home. I was unconscious right up to April.”

Meadows sighed. “... well, crap.”

“Believe me, Charlie, I didn’t know.”

“I thought you must’ve had an idea. You pulled your kid out of school in December.”

“He graduated early, Charlie. Got a 3.9 on the FSAT. That’s why he stopped coming.”

“... he got a 3.9?”

“He’s smart. Usually.”

"That just makes it worse. He should’ve known better than to bully Brad, then.”

“Charlie.” Paul took a deep breath. “Look, whatever happened between our kids, I’m sorry. I’ll talk to Andrew when I get back home. You have my assurances this won’t happen again.”

“Never mind. I get you didn’t know.” Meadows sat down wearily. “The crazy thing is, Brad’s terrified of your son. I don’t get why, but whatever. We had to take him to therapy for months. And after all that’s been going down in the city this last year… I don’t want my kids to feel scared at school.”

“I understand. Look, you and I know children fight. Can we put this behind us? Peaks is a bigger problem.”

“You’re damn right about that. Look, I’ll back you for the no confidence motion, but after that it’s your ticket versus my ticket. And Peaks’ support base, such as it is.”

“I appreciate that, Charlie.”

“Just… let’s keep our kids away for a bit.”

“You sure you won’t reconsider? We could run jointly. I’ll settle for veep.” Truthfully, Paul would settle for Treasurer, but no point giving away leverage.

“Sorry, Paul. Look, I get that you’re hurt by what Peaks did - we all are - but you don’t really have the connections needed to keep the CWA moving forward. Pierce had those. You’re a good guy, you really are, but we need someone with heft in Aldiss’ office.”

“I see.”

“I’ll promise you one thing though. If I make it, I’ll get the CWA to restore your benefits and coverage as early retirement.”

“Thanks, Charlie, but I really intend to run.”

“It’s not a quid pro quo, Paul. I’ve no problem with both of us running against Peaks. I just can’t be in the same office as you.”

“Then why offer?”

“Because what Peaks did to you was wrong, and everybody knows it.” Meadows sighed. “It’s not personal, Paul. I really respect you, but I just can’t get past the … thing with our kids.”

“Fair enough,” Paul sighed. “I appreciate you giving it to me straight.”

“I’m a straight shooter, Paul. You know that.”

“I do, Charlie. If it’s not me, it should be you. Truce?”

“Heck, Paul, we weren’t fighting. Truce, bygones, whatever you want. And if the association doesn’t want me, I’ll back you.”