Chapter 492: The Illusion of Freedom
There were few nations left that could remotely challenge the German Reich, especially with its ironclad Russo-German alliance. But Bruno knew the current balance of power wouldn’t last forever.
In the United States, something was beginning to boil. It was hot, unseen, and close to breaking. Yes, Bruno had slapped a leash on the country, or more precisely, on its leadership. But trying to leash America was like collaring a great white shark.
Those aware of the restraint gnawed at it like feral hounds. While those left in ignorance still felt the chain tightening around their throats, but couldn’t name the source of their suffocation. Something was deeply wrong in the American heartland. And its people could feel it.
Democracy, any form of it, even dressed as a constitutional republic, was a fragile thing. It seldom lasted. So when the call came from an "old friend," Bruno answered. And now, for the second time in his life, he crossed the Atlantic. This time for the purpose of visiting the White House.
He entered the Oval Office with a gaze of absolute disdain. While President Hughes remained cordial and even greeted him personally going so far as to have even arranged a gift: an ice-cold beverage, offered with a statesman’s smile.
Bruno looked down at the glass and then up at the President. Disgust curled on his face.
"What’s the matter?" Hughes asked. "You don’t like cola?"
Bruno shoved the glass back across the desk like it was radioactive.
"It’s not the taste," he said coolly. "It’s the poison it’s brewed with. You are aware I own a majority stake in that company, yes? Which means I’m very familiar with how toxic that drink really is... Especially with the trace amounts of cocaine still mixed in."
He leaned in, voice tightening.