บท 32: Clearing Accusations

The weight of Rad's gaze felt heavy on Beliz's head. His neck felt as though it was going to break at any moment and started to heat up as though the hot sun in the desert was bearing on his back.

Beliz dared not to meet Rad's eyes in fear of what might happen if he does. If he looks into Rad's eye he might take it as a sign of guilty. Or he might not or instead take not looking at his eyes as a sign of guilt.

He eyes remained looking forward. never moving down for surely that would be taken by anyone as a sign of guilt. He neither looks to the right or the left. On the left would be Ajax, his son who would sure back his father regardless of matter and would take any looks as a sign of guilt.

So he looks his eyes forward never looking in any directions in fear of being caught.

On the right would be nothing, just a long metal hallway. Devoid of all signs of life and produces no sign that it can in the future. It gives a sterile smell that is neither pleasant for the noise but not horrible enough to cause gagging. Metallic sounds echo though the halls bouncing off the wall, ringing in all directions never letting a single moment be quiet.

But maybe that could be his saving grace! Yes the hallways, the floor, the walls, the ceilings, everything! This could be the lighthouse to his wondering ship that oh so desperately needs land! Metal! Every where his eyes could see, metal! The once lifeless material that would support no organism regardless of it's importance be it royalty or a peasant now bends its knee to help save Beliz's life. His soul, his work, his life! All save by metal!

Now he looks! He looks up in Rad's eyes, now never breaking contract nor blinking. In this moment he is safe, for the building that houses Rad now turns on him in a sudden act of betrayal! The house listens to every word the comes from Beliz now! Like a loyal dog that loves its owner it stays by his side until its death.

Rad stands looming above him as though an omen of some great disaster about to occur. He stands still, no moving from his position. His hands are folded on top of each other behind his back, not in front as though it might reveal something. His legs are spread, shoulder with apart, taking up as much space without making him look awkward. Making him appear larger than he already is

But his face! It speaks more than what words can ever express. It remains unfettered, not showing a single emotion. Not happy or angry, sad or curious. For if not his chest breathing or his occasional blinking one might believe that he was dead. He remains unchanging, unmoving. Steadfast even.

"Are you going to answer?" Rad grumbles in a deeper and clear voice glaring at Beliz with unwavering determination of finding an answer.

What happened to the man that he knew? Why the sudden change in personality, he has done nothing to warrant this behavior towards him.

But unfortunately, such behavior was warranted for Beliz's actions. He has speed up many of the procedures and data collection, but for what reason?

Now upon seeing Rad's gaze shift upon his body all hope has left him. Sweat starts to drip down the back of his neck to cool him from the hot situation that he has put himself in.

His collar starts to dig into his neck, constricting his throat making breathing harder for him. His clothes started to feel heavy on his shoulders and began to weigh him down. His back feels as though it is going to hunch over from stress and weight. Despair swells in his breast and spreads to stomach, causing it to move in every direction.

Now he answers the question. It is too much for him to bear anymore. He must answer the question to be set free.

"No sir I am not, we are just ahead of schedule." Beliz utters from his constricted throat as though his own body was restricting his freedom.

When Rad hears this he burst into a joyous laughter that rings throughout all of the hallways and into every room. In the moment of Beliz's own despair Rad laughs joyously as though a king at a feast watching the beheading of some foreign power.

" That is good to know! You had me worried there!" Rad said in between laughs then he raises his hand high above his head and pats Beliz's back. Beliz breathe was knockout of him and the force vibrates throughout his body, forcing him to stand up, tall and erect. He then wraps his arm around Beliz and brings him in closely. Rad's face in now close to Beliz. He could feel the heat coming off of his body. He could even smell that aftershave that he used this morning, hmm peppermint.

Rad then whispered into his ear very gently.

"Next time don't wait too long to answer or else someone might get the wrong idea. Okay?"

Beliz nods his head yes and Rad then leashed his grasps on him. "See ya tomorrow Bel." Rad said, waving his hand good bye as they branch off into a different hallway. Beliz waves back and quickly goes to his office.