Page 144 of Blind Prophet

“I’ve already taken the first step for you. You’ve announced your transition plans to the world.”

“You created an AI deep fake of me accepting the chief of staff position?”

“I have so much video and audio that I can create you doing anything. You don’t actually need to live. I don’t need you, Dorian. You can die today, and the world will believe you lived decades into the future. But I will allow you to act, to make choices that will save what you care most about: Caroline.”

He’s insane. Obsessive. A sociopath.

“You believe I’ll play along because of Caroline. But how do I know that video of her isn’t fake? I’m calling your bluff. If you can fake a video of me, you can fake one of her.”

That’s why there wasn’t terror in her eyes. AI can recreate tears, but not terror.

“This is one scenario I considered. That you would require further proof. You’re also the type who would trust the judicial system and due process as an option to prevent me from moving forward. But consider this—if I get called into an investigation, or put on the defense, I possess evidence that will destroy you. Everything your precious syndicate was involved in, every illegal arms deal the group brokered, every deal that violated sanctions or pulled in favors, I possess evidence. Any evidence our father possesses, I possess.”

There’s no reason not to trust him on this point. He’s had unfettered access to Dad’s computer and files for years. He went so far as to pretend to be Dad in syndicate communications.

“I hoped Caroline would be enough to persuade you, but I also believe you love yourself more than her. When I combine it all—your future, your reputation, the Moore legacy, plus Caroline—now that’s the winning hand. When you leave this room, you’re going to get into the sedan, fly to a private airport, and return to Washington.”

“And Caroline?”

“I’ll send you videos. Over time, perhaps you’ll earn visitation.”

“You plan on using Caroline in perpetuity to ensure I behave as you wish. Have I got that right?” He’s not a sociopath. He’s a psychopath.

“You know what kept me going all these years? Have you taken a second to consider? I’ll tell you. Watching our father sign documents that were slowly undermining you. Having him unknowingly approve transfers that would eventually be used against his golden boy. Each time he patted me on the back for a ‘good investment decision,’ I’d think about how that money would eventually help break you. That vision kept me going. A vision of your future with Caroline will keep you motivated. It’s so easy to envision the future.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to kill me?”

“Easier? That depends on the goal. And Dad taught us to think big. Shoot for the moon. Chief of staff is just the beginning. The world will see Dorian Moore, but I’ll be pulling every string.”

“If that’s your grand plan, why sabotage my helicopter?”

“To slow you down. You were flying her home, and I’m tired of waiting. I had faith in your skills. I know the pilots who trained you.”

“We could’ve easily died.”

“It was a risk. Life is full of them.”

“You got lucky.”

“Don’t discount me. This wasn’t some hasty plan, Dorian. I’ve been preparing for decades. Moving money, building connections, studying you. When our father’s mind began to slip, it was almost disappointing—too easy. But it gave me the final piece I needed: complete financial control. You used to do Dad’s bidding. Now you’ll do mine.”

He’s a lunatic.

“Caroline is your reward for good behavior.” He checks his watch, and the movement causes the background to flicker. “Disobey, and her death will be the last thing you witness before your own. The world will read whatever story I choose to write. And remember, destroying our father’s legacy will give me great joy if you force my hand.”

He pauses, savoring the moment.

“The end is already determined, Dorian, but the immediate choice is yours. As chief of staff, you’ll convince the president to enact martial law, giving you the opportunity to convince the fools in Washington that the only way to stop future attacks is to centralize our nation’s critical infrastructure under one entity they believe they’ll control: your company, ultimately my company, Zenith.”

“You’re out of your mind.”

“You’ll do as I ask, or Caroline’s body washes ashore, cause of death to be determined. Possibly filmed for your later enjoyment.”

The suit opens the door. Our time is up.

“There’s an elegance to it, don't you think? Every dollar spent destroying you came from our father’s accounts. The same fortune he denied me is funding your downfall. They won’t come to your aid. I’ve been moving pieces of it for years—small enough amounts he’d never notice, investments he’d never question. The ultimate irony—Halston Moore paying for the destruction of his precious son.”

CHAPTER37

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