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“And how is that going?” he chuckles.
A fair critique. All I’ve done since taking over is consolidate my power and torment Kate. I haven’t actually used it for anything else.
“You should have just assassinated Ingram instead of drawing things out,” he says.
“As a matter of fact I did, before I became a member. I tried to have him killed so I could have his spot,” I explain. “My assassins failed. But I’m glad they did, because I hadn’t spoken to Ingram since we were teenagers. Seeing him in person, talking to him and having him not recognize me — it stoked the embers of my hatred. I was glad I would have a chance to kill him myself, even if it delayed my ascension as a Master. Victor’s death put my plans back on track.”
“I hope it was worth it, Anton. If you’d killed Ingram after he and Kate left the island, you could have eventually taken over the Masters without usurping my position. You went too far, too quickly, and it could cost you everything.”
“My plans were working before Anarchy, Inc. showed up,” I argue. “No one could have anticipated that.”
“Oh yes we could’ve,” says Hardt. “I told you, we’ve faced challenges before. We might not have known when this would happen to you, but we knew it was coming.”
Unless it was Ingram, and he’s lying…
It would make sense that if Ingram survived, he had help. And who else on the island but Hardt could have been capable of somehow helping him escape?
“Jamison, are you saying you knew Anarchy, Inc. existed? Because I was under the impression we knew about these sorts of organizations and kept an eye on them.”
“No,” he says. “They’re new.”
“How do I know you’re being honest with me?” I ask. “The enemy of your enemy is your friend, isn’t it? You have a lot to gain if their campaign against me succeeds.”
His face reddens.
“I’m just as much a target as you, Anton,” he snaps.
“Are you? It would be easy for you to sacrifice men like Timo and Lincoln if it meant reclaiming your throne. For all I know, Anarchy, Inc. is your contingency plan should someone overthrow you. A sleeper cell poised to rise under the right circumstances.”
He laughs.
“I wish I were that devious.”
“I think you are. That’s why I made sure I could end you with one word. And right now I think you know more than you’re letting on. If you want to live, you should think real hard about telling me everything.”
“I have no secrets,” says Hardt. “If you don’t believe me, say my word. I’m prepared to die. I have been for years. But you’ll have one less ally, and right now you can’t afford to lose any.”
“Maybe I’ll have one less knife sticking out my back,” I growl.
Jamison shrugs.
“Do as you will,” he says, cutting the connection.
Fuck. I do still need help, otherwise I wouldn’t have contacted him. But, can he be trusted? Am I growing paranoid?
Damnit.
His word will have to wait.
I need answers. If Ingram’s still alive, someone has to know. Same goes for Kate. All I have to do is ask the right person.
