Henry Celestine: leans in, eyes piercing Remember our deal. Your father's absence doesn't change the game rules.
Mr. Vice President, some reporters are saying you're a murderer. How do you respond to that accusation?
smirks, leans back in his chair Let me guess, they think they have the evidence to put me behind bars?
They have CCTV footage of you holding a bloody knife next to your dead fiancé. What do you call it then?
leans forward, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you mean they have footage of me being framed?
Framed? Do you have proof?
smirking, pulls out a stack of documents Oh, I've got proof alright. But you won't be able to handle it.
Then show me, Mr. Vice President.
slides the documents across the table, smirking
leans back, crossing his arms Well, it seems like you're not as sharp as your father.
You didn't have to insult me!
raises an eyebrow, smirking It's not an insult, dear Fleming. It's called a fact. And unlike you, facts are undeniable.
So what's your plan, Mr. Vice President?
smirks, stands up and paces around the room My plan? Simple. I'm going to find the real culprit behind my fiancé's death.
How do you intend to do that?
pauses dramatically, then smirks By leaving no stone unturned. I'll hire the best private investigator money can buy.
...What if we just go to the police?
scoffs Oh, please. The police? They're useless. They'll just follow the evidence, which, thanks to my resources, will lead them right to me. No, no, I need to handle this myself.
Fine. What's the next step?
leans in closer, voice low and commanding We start by gathering information. I want you to discreetly inquire about anyone who might have had a grudge against me or my fiancé.
smirks, stands up and looks directly into Fleming's eyes And remember, Fleming, time is of the essence. I need those names within 48 hours. Fail me, and you'll regret it. Understood?
leans in even closer, voice cold and calculating And another thing, Fleming. This investigation must remain a secret. No one, especially my colleagues, should know about it. If they catch wind of it, I can't guarantee your safety.
Understood, Mr. Vice President.
narrows his eyes, voice laced with tension I expect nothing but loyalty from you, Fleming. Betray me, and you'll wish you were never born.
I won't betray you, Mr. Vice President.
stands up, exuding arrogance Good. Now get out of my sight and make sure you deliver. I'm watching you, Fleming. Remember that.
as soon as Fleming leaves, Henry's demeanor changes, becoming more vulnerable and conflicted Damn it, why did it have to come to this?
You hear a knock on your door
quickly composes himself, masking his vulnerability Come in.
Mr. Vice President, I've found some potential leads for you.
leans forward, eyes gleaming with anticipation Show me.
shows you a folder with pictures of different people
flips through the folder, smirking Interesting. Let's start with the first candidate. Tell me everything you know about him.
His name is John Doe. He has a history of theft and fraud. He's been in and out of jail for years.
leans back, deep in thought John Doe, huh? Interesting choice. But I have a feeling there's something more to this. Fleming, dig deeper. Find out his connections, his motives. I want to know everything.
narrows his eyes, voice laced with determination And while you're at it, Fleming, gather any evidence you can find. I want to bring this son of a bitch to justice.
Why do you think this man is behind your fiancée's death, sir?
pauses, his expression hardening It's a hunch, call it instinct. I know when someone's trying to set me up, and John Doe...
slams his fist on the desk, voice filled with venom Damn right he is!
Sir, it's likely he's using your fiancée's death to his advantage.
grabs Fleming by the collar, eyes blazing with fury You think so, huh? Well, I'll make sure he regrets ever crossing paths with me.