Chapter Sixty-Six: Another Confidant
"Good afternoon, General," Rufus said, entering confidently.
Sephiroth had to suppress the urge to glare. "Good afternoon," he said, his voice betraying no emotion. He decided it best to feign ignorance for the moment. "What brings you here?"
"Let's be honest with one another. I think we both know."
Sephiroth nonchalantly filed some papers away in the file cabinets behind his desk. He took his time, both gauging Rufus's response and planning on how he should proceed.
Rufus had seated himself in a chair opposite of Sephiroth's desk, not waiting for an invitation. He didn't seem to be intimidated by the General, which was a change. Most who entered usually did so with at least a slight degree of caution. Sephiroth could see a smirk in his eyes, and guessed that Rufus believed he had no reason to fear because he was the one with the upper hand. One word, and it would be all over the media.
When Sephiroth sat back down again, Rufus began the conversation. "I hear you need a doctor."
Sephiroth had a biting retort but figured it best not to offend his superior. "Do I seem ill?" He still figured it best to let him be the one to reveal the information. If he played ignorant, he could find out how deep Rufus's knowledge went.
"I know the game you're playing."
Sephiroth knew he wasn't stupid. Rufus had probably already guessed his tactics, but he still refused to fall for the bait. "Sir?"
Rufus leaned forward then. "All right. I know about your wife. Aralyn, isn't it? She works downstairs in the diner. You've known her since you were little, you were fellow specimens of Hojo, and five months and," he checked his golden watch, verifying the date, "twenty days ago, you were wed in the most remote church you could find. I have yet to locate Faramir, but believe me, I am capable of doing so."
Sephiroth frowned deeply. He was worried by how much information he had managed to gather.
"Do I need to continue?" Rufus said.
Sephiroth didn't need assurance to know that Rufus had many more details up his sleeve. "No, sir. I understand you."
"And she's pregnant now?"
Sephiroth had been backed into a corner. "Yes." There was nothing else he could say.
"You'll need a doctor." He said, restating the obvious. "And you still insist on keeping this quiet?"
"Yes, sir."
Rufus leaned back in the chair. "I can help you."
Sephiroth didn't dare ask about what would be asked in exchange. "That would be…very much appreciated."
"Her name is Dr. Calvin. She's the best in her field, a very gentle and soft-spoken woman. She will take good care of Aralyn and the child. I can speak with her and arrange for this to be kept secret. Due to her schedule, Aralyn might have to come in for her check-ups at night, but I think you'll find that her aid is worth it."
Sephiroth winced, waiting for the catch. "That sounds perfect. What will I be expected to do in return?"
Rufus looked confused, but Sephiroth knew it was an emotion painted on like a mask. "Can you not accept a gift, Sephiroth? You're the greatest Soldier, and it's little payment for what you've done for Shinra."
If Sephiroth knew anything about Rufus, it was that nothing came free. The fact that the price was being kept secret only worried him even more.
"Bring her in tonight," Rufus continued as he stood and brushed off his suit. "I'll have her meet you here and escort you to her office."
"Thank you, sir. But if I may, I have one more question."
"All right."
"How did you find out?" It was blunt, but it wouldn't do any good to soften it up any. Rufus would guess soon enough.
Rufus smiled. "I guessed. I had a lot of evidence to back me up. Aralyn's pregnancy was a lot more harsh than normal and she couldn't even work part time. You've been calling the same number every day at lunch. You've been smiling a lot more, for unexplainable reasons. However, now I know that my suspicions are correct."
Sephiroth feared that something like this would have happened. Now Aralyn and Sephiroth were both completely at his mercy.