Money and Power came into the restaurant the other night.
Now Money, he's a legend amongst restaurant folk, came to the country some 30 or 40 years ago, started as a dishwasher, soon opened his own restaurant. Fancy. And his reputation from here drops off the map, countless reports from people I've known who've worked for him describe him as a sexually obsessed tyrant, strange perversions, lawsuits, bizarre things hushed up. This is the report from the underbelly, those people (un)lucky enough to have held employ with him - from discussions with our customers he's well known in the business community as well, for much the same sort of activities, shady dealings and non-payment, despite all this, or perhaps because of it, he's done well.
Power, well, Power wouldn't be anywhere without Money. Somewhere along the way they met and became friends and Money, perhaps realizing that his reputation wouldn't bear the scrutiny that a career in politics necessarily entails, or perhaps he just realized that Money forever has Power in it's pocket, propped up Power, became his invisible banker and supporter on the Campaign trail and so Power did a few terms at the Municipal level.
It was a classic win-win situation. Power came into money, and Money came into more money, diversified into real estate, development, together they organized municipal strategies that saw both of them become very rich, and now there's no untangling where their dirty little fingers have been.
They're pleasant enough, if you play their game, they have a guest they're trying to impress - Priviledge, perhaps, or maybe just more Money? It's uncertain. But things when they don't go Power's way have him whining, he's a bully, first trying to steamroll through his objectives and then meekly backing off with apologies and "you misunderstood", he frustrates easily, a short temper, the fact that he ever became Power, even with Money, especially with Money, is proof of the failure of democracy.
In this restaurant he's aware that Money is king, you see glimpses of his temper and evil disposition, he is, together with Money, guilty by acquaintance, Money, this Money, is someone no politician should ever be seen with, but he doesn't care, and I'm reminded of the Pig Farmer in British Columbia who murdered countless prostitutes upon his farm, forever having parties for Bikers and Politicians, apart from the dress code and general sense of style there's really no difference.
And I wonder if Power really understands that Power, real Power, doesn't need Money. Probably not.