The conversion of Elias Vance had confirmed Vicky's strategy: an effective empire required both influence (Keller) and unwavering grassroots loyalty (Vance). For his next move, he needed to strike deeper into the heart of the city's power structure, directly targeting the alliances that protected Damien Vance's family.
The Political Target
The next target was Senator Julian Hayes, an aging state politician whose career was dependent on decades of quiet financial backing from Vance Holdings. Keller's intelligence revealed the Senator was suffering from early-stage dementia—a terrifying prospect for a man whose power depended on his intellect.
Vicky arrived at the Senator's suburban estate in the late afternoon. He bypassed the security easily, finding Hayes alone in his study. The Senator was reviewing policy papers, occasionally stopping with a frustrated tremor in his hand.
"Senator Hayes," Vicky said, stepping out of the shadows. His presence in the brightly lit room, now entirely natural, carried an intimidating weight.
Hayes startled, his eyes wide and fearful. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"
Vicky didn't answer the question. He went straight to the pressure point. "I know about the cognitive decline. I know your doctors are hiding it, and I know the Vances are preparing to push you out before the election year."
Vicky leaned against the mahogany desk. "I am offering you more than a cure, Senator. I offer eternal clarity. Your memory, your focus, your influence—all amplified. In exchange, you sever all political ties with Vance Holdings and ensure their next major state contract is blocked."
Hayes, a man who valued legacy above all, listened with desperation. The thought of losing his mind was worse than death. The crimson energy that subtly pulsed from Vicky, an invisible pressure, convinced him this was no ordinary threat.
He took the offered drop of blood without hesitation, his body convulsing as the darkness retreated and a new, terrible vitality surged through him.
New Follower Generated: Senator Julian Hayes.
Tier: Low-Tier Infected.
Follower Level: 1 (0/100 XP).
Loyalty Status: Absolute. (Loyalty driven by need for Intellect and Power: High Value).
VICKY THORNE: XP GAIN: +150 XP (High-Influence Follower Bonus).
XP Total: 865/800 XP.
Vicky was now at Level 5 (65/1200 XP), his political reach extended into the highest levels of the state.
The Campus Encounter
Detective Mila Torres had spent the morning trying, and failing, to get Captain Hayes to approve a warrant for Keller's financial records. Frustrated, she returned to the college campus, relying on her gut feeling that Vicky Thorne was the key.
She found him exactly where she expected: at the main student commons, not lurking in shadows, but holding court. He was receiving an official plaque for the Senior Student Liaison role he had won. He spoke with effortless charm, thanking the administration and promising to use his "investment resources" to help struggling students.
Mila watched from a distance. He was smiling, genuinely engaging with his former friends, Maya and Ethan. He looked like the poster boy for entrepreneurial success—a far cry from the shadowy figure she'd traced to the Foundry. The evidence contradicted itself: The Red Flash suggested a monster, but the daylight reality was a philanthropist. Maybe Frank was right. Maybe I'm chasing shadows, she thought, a flicker of self-doubt crossing her mind.
Mila realized she would never get a warrant with this conflicting data. She needed something personal, something she could use. She shed her detective persona, adjusting her professional suit to look more like a smart, ambitious graduate student. She put on a confident, slightly flirtatious smile and approached him as he was leaving.
"Vicky Thorne?" she asked, stepping directly into his path near the McLaren.
Vicky stopped, his enhanced senses immediately identifying her as an anomaly. She wasn't a student, and her posture suggested training, but her clothes and smile were open.
"That's me," he said, his eyes—now completely immune to the sun—analyzing her quickly.
"I'm Mila," she introduced herself smoothly. "I apologize for the ambush, but your ascent has been fascinating. I'm a financial analyst who covers student ventures, and I'm writing a piece on disruptive college-age entrepreneurs."
She held out her hand. Vicky took it, his grip firm and cold. He could feel her pulse; it was steady, focused, and hiding nothing but professional intrigue.
"Disruptive," Vicky echoed, appreciating the word. "An accurate assessment."
Mila plunged forward, her cover story flawless. "I'd love to include your story, but I have a hundred questions about your funding sources—I've been running into absolute walls with Nightwatch Holdings. It's the tightest corporate shell I've ever seen."
Vicky smiled thinly, impressed by her diligence. He saw no threat, only a driven human who could potentially be useful later. He was the one with the power now; a simple phone number meant nothing.
"I appreciate the professional interest, Mila," Vicky replied. "And I always support thorough research."
He pulled out his phone. Mila, fighting a surge of adrenaline, offered her own phone immediately. They exchanged numbers, the seemingly casual, normal interaction being, for Mila, a crucial first step in her unauthorized investigation.
"I'll text you my official request. Don't worry, I keep all my sources protected," Mila promised, her eyes holding his just a moment longer than necessary.
Vicky watched her walk away. She's interesting, he mused. Ambitious, highly intelligent, and a very good liar. He dismissed her as a minor complication, unaware that he had just handed the key to his operations to the very woman sworn to bring him down.
Vicky has secured political influence by turning Senator Hayes and is now in communication with Detective Mila, who is more confused than ever.
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