"Remember how the night of the election you told me that you owed me one? Well I am ready to collect on that promise," a wealthy man in a business suit said in a pleading and undignified tone.
"But, Mr. Edwards, I followed the case, and the your son appears to be deeply disturbed. He nearly killed that poor child and her family"
The man put his head in his hands and sighed. He knew that the Governor was right, but that didn't take away the misery he felt at having his family torn apart. "I know that what my son did was…evil, but he's still my son. You're sitting here in this office in large part due to the financial boost my family gave you, and I believe as such we are entitled to your assistance in this matter."
"When I was sworn in as governor, I took an oath to protect my constituents, and that includes the Pines family, whom I believe your son is a great danger too!"
"When I donated millions to your campaign, you made me an oath to my family that our money was well placed. I don't feel the need to remind you that your reputation has taken a huge plummet since this whole ordeal began…. both of our reputations have…" Mr. Edwards said shaking. Not only had his family been put out a great deal financially since the trial, but they also suffered a loss in the eyes of the public. No one wanted to do business with the family of a monster.
"Would pardoning him not add to the public shame, sir?" The governor asked.
"Not if I can reform him…make society see past this…prove that I can be a good father."
"And if you can't reform him?"
Mr. Edwards was quiet for a moment. "That's a risk I am willing to take to get my family back together. And if you won't help me do that, you can kiss my financial contributions goodbye."
The Governor gulped nervously. In the ideal world that he had imagined when studying politics, money would play no part in a candidate's value. The sands of time melted this idealistic view. The reality was that money did matter, and in that game of financial gain, very few were more powerful than the Edwards family. He loved his job, and he knew without Edwards as a donor, he would certainly lose the next election.
"Should I issue him a pardon, would I have your word that your son will not harm a hair on that girl's head?"
Mr. Edwards eyes lit up with hope. He and his son were about to get exactly what they wanted, just like they always had. He extended his hand. "You have my word."
The governor paused for a moment, remembering all his father had taught him about being an honorable leader. He couldn't help but feel that he had greatly shamed his father with his actions. He convinced himself that if he helped the Edwards family, he could stay in office longer and continue helping people. He reluctantly shook Mr. Edwards hand.
"You won't regret this, good man!" Mr. Edwards shouted as he practically skipped out.
When he had left the Governor sat in his office in silence for a long moment. The weight of the guilt for what he was about to do was crushing him, but he felt he had no choice. He grabbed a pen and began writing out a pardon. "I already do."