He sat reading in a quiet corner of his local library.
He was a regular customer. He loved reading. There was always a book in his briefcase. He had been taking time out on the way home from work to return and collect books for several years. He could never get the hang of reading on the bus. Most of the time it was just to exchange books, but occasionally, like tonight, he would find his favourite quiet corner and read. It was early closing night, so he only had an hour, if that. It was quiet, with very few customers. He’d already collected new reading, but aimed to finish this book off and return it before leaving. It was a fascinating read, particularly if you’re into conspiracy theories.
He had been engrossed in considering the summary in the final chapter, and jumped physically when the voice came.
“Excuse me.”
He turned to see a man standing next to him.
“Excuse me, do you know what time they close here?”
Shaken out of his reverie, he said “Not long now.” He checked his phone. “About fifteen minutes, I’d say.”
“Thank you.” He looked down. “Oh! I see you’re reading that one.”
The reader smiled. “Yes, just finished it.”
“Read that one myself. Fascinating stuff don’t you think?”
“I do, but I’m not sure…”
“Hah! Not sure whether you go along with it. Right?”
“Right.”
“Know what you mean.” He pulled up a chair. “Don’t mind, do you?”
The reader shrugged and shook his head.
The man sat down, and said, “I mean, a secret network out to change the world.”
The reader went to speak.
The man raised his eyebrows to the book. “These people are purported to be part of a cabal that operates through a great number of front organizations, all working to manipulate major political and financial events… aren’t they?”
“Yes, I suppose they are; supposed to be, that is.”
“Some think,” the other went on, “they are pushing through controversial policies in a plot to achieve world domination.”
“Yes.”
“There are those who believe that this is a secretive society, founded in the eighteenth century, with the sole purpose of controlling world events.”
“They do. I know.”
“A carefully hidden power elite,” he mumbled, “having a globalist agenda to rule the world through world government. Yes, a new world order.”
The reader looked at the time and closed the book.
“On the plus side,” said the man, not taking the hint, “some people think that these hidden forces have helped to create a better world; in fact, a safer world.”
“Well, perhaps.”
The man looked around the library. “Did you know that some people believe that it’s extra-terrestrials that influence the way the world operates? They’re supposed to do this by sending people down here, people that look like people that is. They come here to gather information about what people think. You know, some kind of survey.”
“Really? No, I didn’t know that,” said the reader, picking up his case and putting it on his lap. “It doesn’t surprise me. There are all kinds of theories on this topic.”
The man leant forward and tapped the book. “Do you believe that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely?”
The reader was stunned by the question. “Well, yes, yes I do.”
“There you are then,” said the man and stood up. “Nice talking to you.” He offered his hand and they shook. He said, “Must be off,” and with a smile and a wave, he made his way to the exit.
Being right on closing time, the reader packed up quickly and moved to the counter. The lady looked up at the clock. After so many visits, they knew each other. With a kindly smile, she said, “Perfect timing.” She was returning his book when he asked, “That gentleman, not a regular I take it.”
“Which one was that, dear? We see so many.”
“No, the gentleman I was just talking to. The man who just left.”
She frowned. “Talking to? On your phone do you mean? You’re having me on. How could I possibly know that?”
“You must have seen me talking to him.” He turned around. “You can see directly into the corner, where I was sitting.”
She was looking slightly confused. “Yes. I saw you talking; could almost hear what you were saying. I thought you must have been on the phone.”
He stood quietly for a moment.
“So, you didn’t see the man who walked past the counter here, a minute ago.”
A look of pity crossed her face. “No, dear. It has been a very quiet end of day today. For the last hour you have been the only one in here. It’s only you now, dear.”
He nodded. “Sorry. Long day. I must be tired. Thanks again.”
“Goodnight, dear.”
Out in the street he found the cold night air refreshing. He stood thinking for a while. What had he said? Some kind of survey?
His shiver was not from the wind alone.