Gemotions

The form letter, a cold, impersonal dismissal, arrived in the mail. "Thank you, but no thank you." Elias felt a cold fury settle in his chest. His sprawling family saga, deemed "too ambitious."

He started to frequent the local bar frequented by members of the publishing house. He listened to their conversations, gleaned their weaknesses, their anxieties. He made himself agreeable, a friendly acquaintance.

Then, at the appropriate moments, he dropped casual comments, calculated to sow seeds of doubt and discord within the group, whispers of discontent. He felt a secret thrill at the subtle disintegration he initiated.