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“Who is it that you intend to choose?”
“I think we can hit two birds with one stone. Cover up all the schemes with the biggest scheme of all. And I think you’ll agree that the man I’ve chosen is perfect for it, and won’t hesitate to accept the offer for his family to be the next holder. They’re going broke, after all.”
“Why are you doing this? Giving up your position?”
Terrence sighed. “I’m tired, Vale. I haven’t participated in the games or any social events in decades, since the times started changing and corruption went beyond money to sex. The Lost Generation.”
Blinking against the sunlight, I contemplate his words.
Silence sits between us for a long moment before Terrence says in a low, reverent voice, like he’s recalling something, “‘I can’t stand it to think my life is going so fast and I’m not really living it.’”
My brow furrows. “What is that in reference to?”
“The Sun Also Risesby Ernest Hemingway.” Terrence rises from his seat. “You should give it a read. You might find it enlightening in your position in life. I know I have over the years.”
As he heads inside, I turn in my seat, and call after him one final deal. “I want to add more to the bargain.”
Terrence pauses in the doorway, a hand on the frame as he waits for me to continue.
“I want Eve to go free, and for her record to be cleared of any association with criminal records.”
“Never fall in love? I am always in love,” Terrence says in the same reverent tone as his first quote.
“Hemingway?”
Terrence smirked, a mischievous look in his eyes. “Does he answer your question?”
I drum my fingers on the table and think about it. After a moment of contemplation, with confidence, I say, “Yes.”
“Then I think our deal here is done, Vale. I’ll leave Carrick to you.”
And I knew just the way to take care of him. First, I need to have a conversation with the other Gamemakers. And then a conversation with my connections.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Eve
The Final Game
I’m sitting in the windowsill, overlooking the taunting yet painful view of the ocean from my room in the processing center, when a firm knock sounds on the door. I don’t bother calling out for them to come in, but they don’t bother waiting, either. One of the guards walks in and says, “Get ready for your final game.”
“What?” Hopping down from the windowsill, I don’t bother hiding my confusion. “Isn’t the whole point of my being in this place because I’m no longer a Player? How am I in the final game?”
The guard ignores me. “You have five minutes. No specific attire needed.” He shuts the door, leaving me in stunned silence, wondering who my Advocate even is since I interrupted the last Bidding.
I’m not looking forward to finding out.
I don’t bother changing out of my assigned green uniform aside from putting on shoes and opening the door to find the guard waiting across from me.
“Alright, let’s go,” I say to him. “Don’t feel like you need to hold a gun to my head. We’re all here willingly, remember?” I hold out my empty hands. He remains unamused by my joke as he guides me down the processing center’s hallway beneath the fluorescent lights. The walk through the jungle path to the mansion is of a similar silence, and my worry continues to grow until we arrive at the doors, left wondering what other stunts Carrick is about to pull.
It’s only been a day since Laurence and I were separated, but it’s felt like forever, rotting away in my room waiting forsomethingto happen. He told me to trust him, but just how long would I have to do that before I’d been kept here for years like Aurelia?
The double front doors of the mansion part and I step inside. The halls are filled with other Advocates and Players who look just as confused as I feel. Just as I pass the staircase, my guard still in tow, I guess to ensure I make it to wherever this final game is being held, Lily descends with Morticia at her side. They appear cozy, almost happy, but then again, Lily has grown more and more comfortable in her position here in the games. Especially in her position of playing to her roles in order to win.
She catches my gaze and offers me a small smile.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Her gaze flicks to Morticia, who’s attention falls on me with a dubious look. “It’s the final game. You’d do best to get with your Advocate before it starts.” She obviously doesn’t want me speaking to Lily, but if all of this goes awry, I want to make sure Lily knows how I feel about our friendship. That I still value our plan to have her win.
