THE DRUID STONE

A deep throbbing spread from Kane’s left front pocket throughout his body. Kane needed to access the stone without anyone noticing. He reached into his back pocket and removed his handkerchief wiping his nose ineffectually and placing it in the pocket with stone. He wrapped the Druid Stone with the handkerchief and brought it again to his nose and looked at it keeping it from view of the others as they all stared attentively at Holmes who gave Ames the nod to speak.

Jane Ames stood up and read from the urgent document. She cleared her throat after two sips of ice water. “We’ve just received a message that Colin Smith…” She glared at Quincy. “… was killed just this morning. He was apparently jaywalking and was struck by a sanitation truck.” She paused for the audience to grasp the importance of the situation. “It would appear, Mr. Quincy, that our scapegoat is not to be approached for further elucidation of his actions.”

Green. The stone was green and it changed with physical contact of his body with Crag Quincy. He replaced the covered stone in his pocket. The air was tense. Something was up with the death of the only person who could relate as to the reason USA Today had misquoted Holmes and kept the misinformation to themselves. Was Colin Smith’s death an accident? He looked to his right. Tara Corbet was tapping her pencil on her notepad. Holmes gave her a nod to speak.

“Mr. President, Miss Ames is above misrepresenting the minutes of any meeting from this administration. I suggest an investigation into USA News Today and Colin Smith, especially his untimely demise, be launched immediately.”

Crag Quincy waved his hand, was granted an okay to speak and stood up looking at Corbet who remained standing. “I not only agree with Secretary of State Corbet but advise we release a statement to the effect that Colin Smith may have been compromised and even guilty of undermining your administration and image, Mr. President.”

Holmes stared at Quincy and Corbet. “Make a positive from a negative.” Holmes looked at Ames. “I agree. It may reverse the situation and may make my enemies for my next-election seem complicit. I want USA Today to make a public explanation to what has happened.” He paused as he looked at the attendees and his gaze settled on Morgan Kane. “Mr. Kane, I would like you to write an item for immediate release from the NY Times, subject to my review, before the sun sets today.”

Quincy and Corbet sat down.

Kane stood up and fixed eye contact with the President. The stone began throbbing anew. “I’ll have it within the hour, sir.”

Holmes declared the meeting over and the group rapidly dispersed. Kane had time to glance at the stone again–it was blue. The President’s aura transmitted to the stone turned it blue.