23rd of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
Work was always busy, always trying, yet Steven Chadstone still managed to enjoy nearly every moment of it, be it for the financial gain he obtained or the fame and glory that came with it, things just seemed to have a way of going right for him and as long as he kept control then there was little that worried him. Though control came in many forms, Steven managed to puppetmaster as much as possible on all the lives around him, taking his control from the very simplistic and basic forms, such as planning other peoples days thoroughly, to the more extreme kinds… Like controlling every aspect of his sons lives, even James, who had left after speaking openly about being equal with humans and offering a smudge against Steven’s campaign declaring human oppression over mutants. Then again, he didn’t see the good points of trying to declare equality, he pretended to find James’s comments amusing, and managed to hold his temper to nothing more then a few scolding’s. But then came the greatest shame of all, James not only started dating a human girl, he also kept dying his hair from the stark silver strands that came natural to him and, further more, tried to pass off as human.
The family was openly mutants so it wasn’t like James had a chance to lie about his genes, but he still wanted a chance to fit in and whereas Steven hardly cared how James was treated at school, peer pressure wasn’t the only thing that drove the eldest child… everyone wants to fit in, but he also didn’t want to stick out. Both Chadstone parents had a habit of plastering their lives and the lives of their children all over the tabloids, it almost sickened James that the rest of the world knew almost as much about his kid brother as he himself did. From baby pictures which were sold to the press to random shots of them walking around and even private discussions were managing to be leaked out to the public… sometimes by their own parents.
And yet even so, with James being expelled from home until he stopped acting so childish and stood up to properly handle things the Chadstone way. That’s all Steven wanted, his children to be strong like he was, pathetic losers so far, Max even more so much to his dismay, at least James still tried to make something of himself, a changed name, a new home, a new life… it didn’t stop Steven from interfering heavily behind the scenes. A law firm had been established with him and a few others running it…Clients would brought off, cases pushed to their limits, judges bribed, Steven made sure to try and ruin the firms reputation and yet skill and perseverance held them together despite their hardships. They won some good cases, the lost some important ones, a lot of times Steven was too busy to bother or the case too insignificant to matter, but there were times he went all out to thwart his sons success.
Today was such a day, where three new cases had been filed in his sons firm and Steven was organizing on buying off one of the clients so they’d drop the case and take what he offered them as a substitute instead. One young woman had been beaten when protecting her child who was obviously a mutant, the kids strange beaver like tail and whiskers making him a prime target for some drunkards who were hardly pleased when the 8 year olds mother protectively shunned them when they started harassing her child in the open street while they were walking home from shopping. That woman wouldn’t be brought, she wanted them to suffer for having hurt both her and her child, who had broken his arm and fractured his leg in the fight trying to help his mum before someone else came upon them and lent a hand. The other was just a simple case as well, Steven sighed slightly, he wished his son would wise up and realize he needed his father to survive in this world, that he couldn’t manage it without doing things the proper way… the way his father declared as proper anyway. Occasionally James had tried coming back to Salem, residing nearby in New York city in law firm itself which doubled as their apartment building upstairs, but each time James inched too close to him he was turned away, usually in some threatening form or another. And if he persisted in trying to see his younger sibling, Steven had clearly stated the harm that would come to Max, not physically, but the things Max got himself involved with that were kept from the public life could so easily be leaked and some things could be put together and worse of all Max relied so heavily on their parents that without their support James feared what would come of him.
A buzz pulled Steven from his thoughts and the voice of his secretary called over his speaker, another sigh escaped the highly influential man as he put aside his papers, neatly sliding them into a draw and picking up a pen, who’s price was beyond that of realistic for something that wrote just as effectively as any biro. The sleek design of the black and gold trimmed pen was attractive though, fitting snug in Steven’s hands… just like the slender curves of his female escorts in many ways.
"Dr McCoy?" Mr Chadstone repeated, too casual and too unconcerned for someone who feared being caught red handed. With Chadstone’s reputation most of his employers were either mutants or mutant sympathizers, or people that just hardly cared, so whatever looks Hank received were mainly in surprise to the strange sight of a large feline dressed up in a decent suit, with tie and shoes that added to the classic vision seen of a gentlemen. "Let him in." A button was pressed and a soft click was heard as the door to his main office was unlocked, a habit made when delving into private thoughts or… or any realy personal conduct he didn’t want people intruding upon.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
The tower stood like a monument to the Chadstone’s power a sleek edifice of glass and metal designed to impress and admirably carrying out its purpose. But then again the man who was approaching its doors was just as impressive in his own way and his own power though of a different kind was just as obvious. Though few would actually have called him a man. That was something the frightened looks he received from the people he had encountered on his trip had readily confirmed.
Even here where mutancy was flaunted rather than concealed he stood out. Not just for his size. Nor for the intelligence that sparkled behind the yellow eyes. Few ever looked that far anyway. All they saw was the fur and the fangs. The feline features that hid compassion and humour as effectively as a mask. One he couldn’t take off even if he wanted too. He could have concealed it though, covered the disturbing whole with an acceptable image transmitted from the holographic emitter he had designed for just such a purpose. But that wasn’t something he often did,preferring instead to have people see him as he really was rather than as they wanted him to be. To be taken or left at their discretion but on his terms.
He had made some concessions however to the modalities of everyday life. The suit was impeccably tailored as it had to be to fit his frame. The shoes too were hand made, absurdly large as were the clawed feet they covered. Hank was of Zia’s opinion. He looked better naked. But then that wasn’t something he was willing to prove in the middle of New York. Especially not when he was on serious business like this!
It was a trip he’d rather not have had to make. Abuse was never pretty and this case was as clear cut and ugly as any he’d ever seen. Money certainly didn’t buy happiness it seemed. But it could go a long way to buying silence. Entering the thankfully empty elevator McCoy caught him self wondering once again just how long Max’s father had been getting away with this. Hank was far from being a fool There had to have been other doctors who had seen the signs before him. Doctors who apparently thought more of their bankbooks than their patient’s welfare!
Though perhaps he was being too hard. Fear could have had a lot to do with their reticence. Steven Chadstone wasn’t someone you wanted to have as an enemy and accusing him of beating his son was one sure fire way to achieve just that. Still that was what he counted on wasn’t it? That no one would have the courage or the temerity to stand against him? Perhaps he should have considered that before he sent his son to Xaviers. Hank thought grimly. He should certainly have considered it before he blythly waltzed in and assaulted Max in the institute itself.
That still hurt. That such a thing could have happened in their school. That someone thought they were able to carry out such an atrocity and get away with it. Even someone as powerful as Steven Chadstone. Well he is about to find out that he was wrong. the mutant they called Beast promised as he exited the elevator and made his way over to the polished desk with its equally polished secretary. To give her her due she hid her reaction well, concealing the flash of fear he had caught in her eyes behind a dazzling and no doubt very expensive smile.
May I help you she asked her voice as smooth as the shining hair and as false as the manicured nails. Im sure that you can Hank answered equally politely, the cultured tones surprising her coming as they did from such a savage mouth. I would like to see Mr Steven Chadstone and, before you ask, no I do not have an appointment. Just tell him please that Dr Hank McCoy wishes to speak to him and let us see what happens.
The secretary’s veneer of control slipped a little more at the request but she did as he asked conveying his message with what Hank supposed was her habitual efficiency. Seconds later she was smiling again telling him to proceed to the private offices, wishing him a nice day. I sincerely doubt that I will Hank thought to himself as he approached the door and after a perfunctory knock pushed it open But then I fear that Mr Chadstones day has also just taken a severe turn for the worst.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
Poised and ready, Steven waited for the knock, which came, then the door swung open, the silhouette of a large figure instantaneously lightening up and more then recognizable. A large mutant…blue fur and charcoal suit that adorned the creature, striking feline eyes like golden suns, fangs, claws, Hank had it all, yet Steven knew the man behind the monster well enough to know not to fear such looks. After all, not all mutants were still with a superior mind, sometimes their gifts had painful side effects which induced a lower, more primal intelligence, and they could be unpredictable and rarely civilized. The two had not met face to face often, only on one other occasion really and that was when Max had been given a tour around the school with his father.
"Dr McCoy." A pleasant tone rang out as Chadstone rose, his deeper sapphire eyes strangely more mystifying that Max’s, as if holding a power, and they did… they held knowledge, more knowledge then many imagined though some suspected it and those that knew he knew too much were usually well paid off. Everything in Chadstone’s life was control, he was god of his world, without saying those words he had the need to take complete control over all the lives close to him and to toy with anyone and anything that crossed his path if it benefited him somehow. A hand was held out, stern features seeming to melt away into the ever infamous Chadstone smile, so charming, sometimes Max even managed to look innocent at times… sometimes… there was always something though, something that made you stop and think what was really behind the smile.
"A pleasure to see you again, I’m sure it really wasn’t necessary for you to come all the way out here.. yet how may I help you?" A hand motioned for the doctor to take a seat, which was well portioned as most of the business men were anything but slender it seemed, though still, could prove snug for all Chadstone knew, if it was, there was nothing he could do other then offer to move over to the sofas.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
It was easy to see where Max got his charm from. The man behind the desk radiated it. Charm and confidence! As if he were somehow untouchable. Unlike his son! He was all too readily touchable. Especially by his fathers! Hank kept the dislike out of his eyes only by a supreme act of will as he moved forward to shake the extended hand. It was easy to see how Chadstone had fooled everyone for so long. The polished facade was impeccable, manners, voice, smile all guaranteed to put you at ease.
No one would fail to recognise him as an accomplished and no doubt ruthless business man. But a child beater? Someone who would break his sons arm and leave him lying in his own blood? No that wasn’t the image that came to mind when you talked about Steven Chadstone. Not unless you had seen his handiwork with your own eyes that was. As Hank had!
Anger still boiled within the blue furred mutant though he kept it carefully in check as he listened to the polite welcome that Steven so glibly offered. "A pleasure to see you again, Well that wasn’t going to be the case for very long Hank thought as he eased himself into the chair the businessman had offered, testing discretely to make sure it would bear his weight before trusting himself to it fully. I’m sure it really wasn’t necessary for you to come all the way out here.. yet how may I help you?"
Now that is a question which is difficult to answer Hank replied Though I can assure you of the absolute necessity of my visit. His voice was as reasonable as Stevens own, all emotion pushed down by intellect but nevertheless running deep, like the animal side he so rarely showed. Had you come to the Institute to see Max we could have had this discussion there but no matter. I can understand why you would be reluctant to drop by.
Here it was The step from which there was no going back. Which would make an enemy of this powerful man sitting before him once and for all. Hank took it without so much as blinking .Considering the rather violent nature of your last visit that is.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
"Now that is a question which is difficult to answer" A brow quirked slightly, curiosity and slight…suspicion, yet cleverly hidden as any experienced businessman could so skilful hide. "Though I can assure you of the absolute necessity of my visit." Obviously he could, and Steven found himself leaning back in his seat, his elbows resting down on the armrests, his hands drawing together to allow his fingers to intertwine. How mysterious this all appeared, that alone was leaving clues, clues to what being the issue on Steven’s mind. There were only a few limited possibilities…
"Had you come to the Institute to see Max we could have had this discussion there but no matter. I can understand why you would be reluctant to drop by." A charming, though faint, smile once again graced his lips, age ebbing away at his attractive features and yet… adding to them as any vintage wine, so similar to Max, yet there was a harsh reality to his father… a life full of wars, a life of vicious, malicious battles that made even the most worrying thing seem like childs play. All Max fretted about was which watch to wear and what phone suited the clothes he wore, which sort of girl did the git feel like having rub against him and which pathetic mush he was ready to pour out for her ears to hear. Not that Steven was so unalike… but he had work, a life, a family, an empire, he made something of himself and Max…? Well… that little sh*t most definitely had no such ambitions. He couldn’t even run the hotel properly, it deserved to be torn down, that defiled garbage heap had no right to stand after what Max had used it for, god, Steven couldn’t even think about it, now or ever!
"Considering the rather violent nature of your last visit that is." Oh my, how bold! The amusement as well as the surprise turned the slight smile into a more… rather… eerie one. The fact he even found see humour at this point would have been off-putting for most, as it had been for a few others who had confronted him on occasions… rare, and far between… How annoying it was when doctors grew a conscious. There was a very dry chuckle as he continued speaking, brief, heartless, yet to the point.
"My dear Doctor McCoy," The tone seemed anything but malicious or defensive, but it still seemed far from gentle, despite the false mask it wore. "I’m a very busy man, if there’s something you wish to say, then it's best you say it loud and clear." It wasn’t the first time this had been thrown at him, granted the previous few times were still just as surprising, but with each brush off he grew more confident and less worried. He could handle whatever the world through at him, whoever stood in his way, whoever tried to destroy him, he could handle it all. He had the connections, even if he personally might be unable to deal with it, them someone else he knew could, and if they couldn’t someone else they knew could, it was an endless well of possibilities. And Steven has realized that the further he reaches the more impossible it is for people to trace things back to him. …He had no fear, what was the worst they could do? Take that pathetic runt away? Stop them from seeing him? Ha! A reward if nothing else, the two kids were nothing but hellspawn sent to embarrass and humiliate the family, they didn’t deserve to be part of the Chadstone legacy, they deserved nothing, and were damn well blessed with whatever he did have to offer those ratbags.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call"My dear Doctor McCoy," Chadstone said with a slight laugh . "I’m a very busy man, if there’s something you wish to say, then it's best you say it loud and clear." A very business like approach to the subject but then Hank had expected nothing less. You didn’t get to be where Steven was today without being able to keep your emotions in check. Except where his son is concerned it seems. the doctor reminded himself his own demeanour equally unruffled as he replied. "Very well! I too have a busy schedule so let’s get this over and done with as quickly as possible shall we?"
Strange! Such a very civilised way of discussing what was after all a sordid business. Zia would handle this better. Or at least with less hypocrisy! Hank thought suddenly. Though I doubt that Steven would survive the encounter! Still if this was how this scene had to be played out then Hank was more than capable of doing it. Though he had to admit that looking at Chadstone’s smug face Zia’s solution was becoming more and more attractive to him! Well perhaps he could do something to disturb the business mans composure. Though that wasn’t his main reason for being there!
He was there for Max. To make sure that what had happened at the school never happened again. There was no way he was going to stand idly by and let this man abuse his son in the future as he had done in the past. And it was about time Steven realised that.
“I have no idea what possessed you to believe that you could walk into the school and hurt Max without anyone noticing." he told the business man calmly. "Or perhaps you thought that even if we did this was a family matter? Not something we would chose to get involved with?" The very idea that they would simply have stood back and let him get away with it angered Hank almost as deeply as the attack itself and some of that found its way into his cultured voice as he went on. "Well I am here to tell you that that is not the case. I am very much involved And I intend to remain so for the foreseeable future."
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
Sapphire eyes watched the large furred mutant, Beast was such a fitting name and yet it reminded Steven how much more powerful a mutant was in compared to their lesser brethren. Dangerous… definitely, Steven wasn’t a fool to think that Hank couldn’t hurt him if the other attempted to, yet Steven did have the advantage of knowing what those of Xavier’s school were like. Snivelling puppets to an idealistic coward whom pushed for quality where most humans cared for nothing less then the annihilation of the x-gene and all those possessing it. At least, that’s the extreme view Steven had obtained over the years.
"Very well! I too have a busy schedule so let’s get this over and done with as quickly as possible shall we?" Just as Steven always liked it, the sooner he knew what problems irked the minds of others the sooner he could find a way to dissuade their worries… some ways more positive then other. Deep thoughts seemed to flow behind the golden eyes which looked sternly back at Mr. Chadstone, though Hank was hardly the first to threaten Steven’s composed and ordered little world and undoubtedly he wouldn’t be the last.
“I have no idea what possessed you to believe that you could walk into the school and hurt Max without anyone noticing." So it was that event which drew McCoy, not that Steven could place a thought as to what else it could have been, but oh so bold a statement… Steven almost smiled with the amusement…almost. "Or perhaps you thought that even if we did this was a family matter? Not something we would chose to get involved with?" Admittedly, the more intelligence mind may have stirred away from challenging someone of Steven’s position, as Steven inwardly thought in his defence, though perhaps anger had lead to his rather abrupt rush into the school. A talk, a yell in any case, that’s all Steven figured he’d do, he’d tell Max to cancel his weekend plans and return to the estate… there he’d have dealt with Max as he saw fit. But the way Max had carried himself, the content, the casual air, as if nothing had occurred, as if he hadn’t stained their family name so disgustingly.
"Well I am here to tell you that that is not the case. I am very much involved And I intend to remain so for the foreseeable future." What a pest, it was more an annoyance then anything right now, always someone seemed to spit out a threat at Steven and right now he hardly could bother dealing with yet another thing. Things were already in motion in regards to his son’s ‘Panacea Hotel’ Hopefully by the end of the week it one way or another… then again, Steven pondered thoroughly on the subject, what if he could somehow use Max’s beloved ‘brothel’ as some sort of lever… a bribe to control him. Usually Steven only had to free Max’s accounts if there was something that exceedingly upset him…This was so beyond anything he could have imagined even his misfit of a son doing.
A calmed silence hung in the air, one in which have sent off alarm bells well and truly had Max been the one at the end of the calmed look. There was always this malicious cool that scared Max more then when his father was up in a huff about one thing or another. Well, if Hank wanted to play hero then there was hardly anything Steven could do in order to stop him… at this moment, unprepared as he was. A hand reached for his earlier discarded pen, picking it up thoughtfully in his hand and pulled out a blank sheet of loose leaf paper from his desk, the tip touching down poised ready as Steven spoke.
"Well I appreciate the clarity you shed upon this situation.." Polite, yet his tone levelled out, the edge of his word seemed tainted in a harsh humour and yet, more noticeably, an annoyance at the thought of Hank being a hindrance on Steven’s smoothly running family life… well, as smooth as Steven could manage considering the insulting and degrading nature of his offspring. "..but I fear you must have jumped to conclusions, as I’m sure Max will confirm on my behalf, and believe me I do intend to find out what put my son in such a situation." granted Steven was thinking about interrogating Max on what possessed him to smite his family name with such an insufferable act as… Steven’s resolve flickered as he thought of what he could only speculate after a certain degree…though composure remained in his voice as he continued. "But until Max returns to the estate and tells me all about it I’m afraid I’ll not be of much help, and I really must insist that my time now is limited and I must return to my work." Because yes… Max will return to the estate, and then let’s see what that boy has to say in regards to the matter at hand, and none shall get in the way of any fitting punishments Steven settles on.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
The signs of annoyance were apparent despite the seeming neutrality of the actual words. Well I appreciate the clarity you shed upon this situation.. but I fear you must have jumped to conclusions, . as I’m sure Max will confirm on my behalf………. and believe me I do intend to find out what put my son in such a situation."
So that was how he intended to play it. Well Hank had expected as much at least at first. Though the implication that Max was so beaten down that he would simply corroborate any fiction this man cared to fabricate made the doctors own anger all the deeper. *You should never have sent him to us if you didn’t want him to become strong* Hank thought grimly, forcing his own expression to match Chadstone’s bland mask of indifference. *Because he has. Even if he doesn’t realise it just yet. And when he does…… *Hank would like to be there when that happened. To see Max wipe the superior smile from his fathers face once and for all. *For the time being though we must keep him safe* he reiterated *until he realises he’s capable of doing that all by himself.*
The cool denial Steven was offering up continued turning in the end to a dismissal Hank wasn’t about to act upon. "But until Max returns to the estate and tells me all about it I’m afraid I’ll not be of much help, and I really must insist that my time now is limited and I must return to my work.""Ah but you see you already have been an immense help in elucidating what exactly happened to Max" Hank told him coolly. “More so than I could have imagined possible. Certainly more than could be considered prudent”
He didn’t rise as he spoke merely leaned forward in the chair nor did his voice lose its reasonable tone as he continued. "The camera, you see, never lies Mr Chadstone. Or if it does there are ways to find out that it is doing so. However the films we have at the school will stand any scrutiny you or anyone else may care to put them under. Since they are after all relating nothing but the exact truth."
He paused a moment to let Steven take in the implications of what he was saying and then went on “They clearly show the time at which Max entered the corridor to go to his room. Nor do they show him leaving it again until he was brought hurt and unconscious down to med lab. Which means he was certainly there when you took the same corridor some time later on your way in and also when you left with blood on your knuckles on your way out! The shots really are very good. I was amazed at the clarity we managed to get on them.”
Hank did rise now strolling over to the window and its inspiring view over the city, turning his back on Steven as he did so. "Of course you may be inclined to dismiss even such convincing visual evidence as merely troublesome which is why the forensics comes in as such useful corroboration. I am considered something of an expert in that field" Hank said glancing over his shoulder with a smile "By both the human and mutant communities. I’m sure few would think me incapable, for example ,of recognising a father's DNA when I find it in his son’s wounds."
"But forgive me……… I am keeping you from your work." The cynicism was clear in the voice and in the yellow eyes "so I won’t bother you with any of the other incriminating details we could bring to light if we chose to. Let it suffice to say that even without Max’s testimony there is enough to cause a good deal of damage to your oh so pristine reputation. The question now is……."His coldness was as deliberate as Stevens and just as disturbing" How much damage are you actually willing to take for the dubious right of being able to abuse your son?"
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
"Ah but you see you already have been an immense help in elucidating what exactly happened to Max" The very tone itself was more then enough to send alerts down Steven’s spine. “More so than I could have imagined possible. Certainly more than could be considered prudent” And now the doctor was playing with him by the sounds of it, if there was one thing Steven disliked it was impudence and arrogance, even if perhaps that person had a right to display it. Everyone had to understand that HE was in charge, they were pathetic underdogs compared to him and they had no control in comparison to what he had and how dare they even suggest otherwise!
"The camera, you see, never lies Mr Chadstone. Or if it does there are ways to find out that it is doing so. However the films we have at the school will stand any scrutiny you or anyone else may care to put them under. Since they are after all relating nothing but the exact truth." Camera’s? That idiot boy had never mentioned camera’s… aside from the obvious gate security, though needless to say Chadstone had already pondered the thought of what would happened should he be caught upon any. Just…… seeing what he saw from the hotel security, being told what he was told, he couldn’t just sit around and do nothing! Max deserved everything he got and more! That disgraceful runt, after all Steven has done for him, and all Max can do is screw them over and over again! Not turning up when he was supposed to, not doing as he was told, not acting in a manner that suited the family’s image… he could never do anything right, none of his children seemed to. Though even Steven had to admit that his eldest, Jamie, wasn’t exactly dreadful when it came to law, at least he had Steven’s smarts to a degree and as well as his looks, if nothing else.
“They clearly show the time at which Max entered the corridor to go to his room. Nor do they show him leaving it again until he was brought hurt and unconscious down to med lab. Which means he was certainly there when you took the same corridor some time later on your way in and also when you left with blood on your knuckles on your way out! The shots really are very good. I was amazed at the clarity we managed to get on them.” Eyes narrowed at the way Hank spoke, so this was how it would play out, a challenge of wits, an exchange of threats and pull of ranks. Perhaps his temper had gotten the best of him, but there was no way all he had worked for would be lost because of this buffoon who decided to walk a path less travelled… and for obvious reason, obviously Mr McCoy was in dire need of new glasses. Steven turned his head to allow his pale and cold gaze to follow Hank’s larger form.
"Of course you may be inclined to dismiss even such convincing visual evidence as merely troublesome which is why the forensics comes in as such useful corroboration. I am considered something of an expert in that field" Perhaps that is where Steven was at fault, he’d dealt with low key people in various fields and various public citizens but he had never really faced a worthy opponent… And by the looks of things Hank was more then willing to challenge Steven to a duel, to the victor goes the spoils, Steven gets to keep his secrets and Hank gets to keep that repugnant brat. Hardly worth all these efforts from Hank’s point of view as far as Steven saw it. "By both the human and mutant communities. I’m sure few would think me incapable, for example ,of recognising a father's DNA when I find it in his son’s wounds." The turned face which looked back at him now were received with a harsh glare, composure crumbling with anger and indignation though he had a malicious calm still over him as emotions were strangled in the back of Steven’s throat.
"But forgive me……… I am keeping you from your work." The words wrapped about Steven’s mind like the taunts they were designed to be, his hands clenching tightly into fists where they rested on the table. "so I won’t bother you with any of the other incriminating details we could bring to light if we chose to. Let it suffice to say that even without Max’s testimony there is enough to cause a good deal of damage to your oh so pristine reputation. The question now is……." Here it was, the rounding up comment, the smug remark that would make or break Steven’s unbalanced state. "How much damage are you actually willing to take for the dubious right of being able to abuse your son?" Steven’s body rose sharply, his tone raising angrily and snapping back as if trying to get his point across not for the first time.
"Punishments are given only when punishments are due!" The topic seemed to end there as Steven continued on, "You think people look at you and see your intelligence, most can’t even see your humanity! You’re nothing to them, no matter how many times you play nice and pretend you’re just like them, they know you’re not and never will be! If anything, you only fuel their fear if you show just how superior you are to them!" Malicious in his words, his tone did fade from Anger to a spite, how dare this misplaced fool think he has a right to waltz into a world of business and war where he doesn’t belong and think he can overthrow someone of the higher ranks!! "You can throw as much blood in the water as you want McCoy, in the end I’ll still be here, and Max will still be where he belongs and doing as he is told!" A finger was pressed on the intercom, though nothing more was done after the finger jabbed one of the many buttons, a silent alert for security to arrive should Hank decide to linger on further, though Steven was under no illusions it’d take a good minute or two before they arrived, leaving Hank plenty of time to reply, despite Steven’s wish for the last word.
Re: 29th of March: Visiting the Lions Den - House Call
His words had finally pierced the armour of calm that Chadstone wore around himself, goading the man to his feet bringing an angry retort to his lips. "Punishments are given only when punishments are due!" So there it was, an admission of guilt, the bold statement of what he assumed to be his right. The right to hurt his son whenever and wherever the fancy took him! Hank didn’t even want to know what supposed ‘crime’ Max had committed, what small step outside the rigid boundaries of his fathers warped conception of right and wrong he had supposedly taken to merit such a beating. Nothing could justify what Steven had done, nothing ever would. And the sooner Max realised that the better.
Steven hadn’t finished though, his spite now directed against the doctor as Hank had known it eventually would be from the minute he had walked through the door. "You think people look at you and see your intelligence,” Steven said throwing the words like knives though these ones failed singularly to reach their target. "most can’t even see your humanity!”
*Did he really think that could touch me? *Hank asked himself, his calm growing as Chadstone’s anger flared. *I have lived with the fact for nigh on thirty years now. I see the confirmation of it in every face that stares at me on the street, hear it in every indiscrete whisper behind my back. And yes it does hurt, of course it does but it doesn’t diminish me. In the end that is something you do to yourself. By behaving like this man does for example. *
“You’re nothing to them,” Steven went on “no matter how many times you play nice and pretend you’re just like them, they know you’re not and never will be! If anything, you only fuel their fear if you show just how superior you are to them!" This too was nothing but the truth. Hank just wondered if Chadstone realised that what he said applied as much to himself as it did to Hank or whether he actually thought that because his mutation didn’t spoil his good looks that made him somehow acceptable? If so that was an immense blind spot, a naïve assumption on the part of a man who prided himself for his shrewdness and business acumen.
"You can throw as much blood in the water as you want McCoy, in the end I’ll still be here, and Max will still be where he belongs and doing as he is told!"“You haven’t been down in the water for so long you’ve forgotten what its like" Hank told him coldly. "You sit up here in your tower and you think nothing can touch you but you’re wrong. Because you see you have underestimated three things. The first is me. The second is your son and the third……… is the size of the sharks."
The interview was ended, the gauntlet thrown and accepted. "Don’t bother to see me out" the doctor said with a smile as he moved towards the door and opened it “you should conserve your energy. Believe me you’re going to need it. Now that you have an opponent who will actually fight back!”
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