7: Seven

Seven

The Next Morning - Tysons Corner, Virginia

 

“So what do you think of him?” a middle-aged, broad-chested man in a suit began, looking onto an occupied stage from a side curtain.

“He’s definitely your son,” an older, bald man standing next to him replied.

“He must get it from his mother. He’s so poised, he looks like he’s running instead of me.”

“You’re saying he’s trying to steal your thunder?” the bald man replied, chuckling.

“I’m saying he’s succeeding and I haven’t even stepped on stage yet. I’m a lucky father, that’s for sure.”

The two men continued to look onto the stage where the college-aged man spoke. The speaker was Barry, who still had a slight red mark underneath his eye, thanks to the now-deceased Sophie.

“How does he feel?” the bald man asked.

“Better,” the father replied. “He called me frantically that night. But apparently, things were handled quickly. Those guys are a great resource to have.”

“And that is why I’m proud to introduce,” Barry resumed towards the crowd, “my role model, my mentor, and my father. Please welcome, Nathan Kimsey!”

The crowd erupted in applause as Barry’s father approached the stage. He and his son hugged before Barry took his leave. Cameramen approached the front of the stage while Nathan began.

“Please give a round of applause for my son, Barry.” The crowd obeyed. “I didn’t know he’d be that good, I would’ve gone before him,” he said as the audience chuckled.

“I want to thank you all for making it this Sunday morning. I know those of you in the media have complicated schedules, so I’ll make this short so that you can go home to your families, visit the mall, and so on. I wanted to make sure that my son could be here today, and he drove all the way from Charlottesville last night to be here, so I want to thank him for making time for his old man.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Nathan Kimsey. You all know me as a co-founder of Slate Innovations, one of the biggest computing companies in the United States. Some of you at home are watching on your Slate laptops, phones, tablets, or televisions, and for that, I thank you and I’m honored that you’ve placed your trust in our company for several decades. I’ve started from struggling with an Olympia typewriter in the second grade to imagining and designing the most incredible pieces of handheld technology you can own, including the SlatePad Three, available now at your local electronics store,” Nathan joked. The audience laughed in response.

“But in all seriousness, what I’m trying to say is this: people are always evolving. I didn’t know I’d be a pioneer in the computing industry. I honestly wanted to be a professional wrestler when I was younger, but my mother wouldn’t allow it.” Applause ensued as Nathan smiled.

“So instead, I followed my mother’s advice, went to college, and picked an IT major, mostly because a cute girl was doing the same. That cute girl ended up becoming Barry’s mother, true story.” Another round of applause.

“But I learned how to work a computer, then build a computer, then manipulate its functions to help transform the computer from being a haunting, black-and-green screen, wood-plated monstrosity to your most reliable and most important office tool. But again, we’re always evolving. I’ve played my part in the tech field, and although I’m far from done, I want to devote more of my time to helping my home state. I want to let you all know that the rumors are true. November of next year, I’m placing my name in the hat; I will run for governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

A loud round of applause followed.

“As some of you have heard, last night, a whole family was wiped out in the state’s capital. There are reports that it was due to gang violence and that they were brazen enough to leave their identifying gang symbol at the murder scene. These criminals think they’re untouchable. I want to make sure that you and your families are safe from this kind of insanity. You should not be afraid of criminals, criminals should be afraid of the law.” Nathan paused as another round of applause erupted.

“Our schools are less prestigious than they were years ago. Northern Virginia is in constant gridlock every day. Our rural areas are succumbing to methamphetamine use, our suburbs are experiencing job instability, and our urban areas are becoming more violent. I know I’m not a politician, I know I’m not a lawyer, but I am a concerned citizen.”

“I’ve had visions for Slate, and the world has benefitted. I’ve had visions for my children, and they have followed the path to success. Ladies and gentlemen, I have visions for this state, and I need to see if they can be accomplished, if you’re willing to let me. Let’s get rid of these drugs. Let’s get rid of the traffic. Let’s get rid of the violence. Let’s bring these jobs to Virginia. Let’s truly make Virginia for lovers. Let’s get to work!”