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Terrence remains expressionless. He puffs on his cigar once, twice, then sets it in the ashtray before him as he blows the cloud of smoke out the window. “Is that so?”
“One of the first things you said to me in our initial meeting was that you were looking to stir up the games this year, and that’s why you were looking for a fresh mind to be a Gamemaker, someone who has yet to participate. I’m only upholding the task you’ve placed on me.”
Surprisingly, Terrence appears amused. He seems more relaxed on this island than when he’s in New York City. I felt he ruled with an iron fist. Typically domineering and driven, his colloquial aura takes me off guard. I have yet to learn to read this Terrence.
“I’d rather you skip the embellishments, Vale, and tell me what you’re really after.” Terrence drums his fingers across the cover of his book.
My eyes are drawn to the title.The Sun Also Rises, embossed in gold script across the faded green cover.
My gaze lifts to meet his. “I don’t want to see Player Ten eliminated.”
Terrence has the privilege of watching the games play out from his quarters. I know he’s witnessed the events of today’s game, but there’s more intentions at play today which lurk in the shadows, and I’m not about to allow Blue to be a victim of money-hungry, poor-intentioned men. “I have reason to believe Ten’s game was rigged by Vaughn to get a rise out of Carrick based off some inner games at play here. I don’t believe Ten was answering dishonestly. In fact, I think it was quite the opposite. There were prompts in there she couldn’t have possibly known.”
“If this is true,” Terrence begins, rubbing a hand over his bristled jaw, “Vaughn should know better. But that’s all part of the games.” He clasps his hands together in his lap and appraises me. “Games which have been around for decades, including all their inner workings of betting. Are you asking me to change traditions because you want one of the Players for yourself, Vale?”
Inhaling a breath, I steal myself against Terrence’s insinuations, knowing that very intention alone won’t get me far here. “I’m asking to bend the rules to give a second chance to a Player who belongs in these games. She was the highest bet on the Player list. Not only is this premature disqualification unfair to a Player who’s being let go sooner than her time, but you’ll have plenty of audience members angry over her elimination and loss of money. But with her return and continuation in the games…” I pause, setting my forearms on the table, leaning forward, “…you’ll get more money from even higher bets. It’s a win for you.”
Terrence’s eyes light up with a strange sort of curiosity. “And a win for you. Why do you want her so badly?”
“I never claimed to want her for myself. I’m only telling you to allow me to write a loophole to save her.”
“But I can see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice… the urgency of which youneedto be sure she stays. It’s not like you, Vale. But I cannot claim to not have not been swayed by one of these women, especially in my time as an Advocate.”
It’s not like youis an accusation I find sticking with me. Maybe itisunlike me to act so rashly for a woman I’ve had one conversation with, but saving her feels right. I’ve built an entire billion-dollar business based off “right” feelings, and I don’t think they’ll fail me now.
But there’s more to Terrence’s words that stick with me. “What happened to the woman who swayed you?”
Terrence meets my eyes with deadly conviction. “I married her.”
I lean back in my chair, rendered silent.
“So, I must heed you with a warning, Vale. These things are not always to be trifled with. Love in the games is not to be trifled with.”
“But if it worked out well for you, why would you warn me against it?”
“It’s not something I’ve witnessed work out well for everyone. I’ve seen many more burned by the love—or rather the obsession—they find there. These women are here for sex and money. There will always be manipulation on their part.”
I let his words sink in, but I still grapple with a strong feeling of believing Blue is not like the women he talks about. And there’s an even stronger drive inside me that needs to find out if that’s true.
“But I must admit, your proposal intrigues me. I hope you know what this means for your position as a Gamemaker, though, and the fires you’ll start by claiming Ten as yours.”
“I’m prepared for the backlash,” I tell him. “I’ve dealt with worse.”
“Don’t count on it. These women may be ruthless in their love affairs, but these men are merciless in their competition. They can sniff out inequity from a mile away, and you’re tossing yourself in without the privilege of an attendee who’s been here longer than his first game.”
“If you think this is going to cause all this drama, why let me do it?”
Terrence smirks. “Because my prior request still stands. I’m growing bored of the games, too, and looking for something exciting to happen. Ten is one of the most exciting players I’ve encountered in a long, long time. I don’t want to see her go either. This place could use some stirring up, and you’re justthe man to do it. I’ve sensed that since Vaughn brought you to me. But you must go. They’ll be hauling Ten off to the disqualification preparations. If you don’t catch her, I’m not sure you’ll be able to salvage her from the process.”
I rise from my seat, omitting a thank you to Terrence for now as I rush through the manor to find Blue before she’s displaced. I’m on the path through the jungle where I know the eliminated Players are taken to the other side of the island when I see a gathering of guards up ahead. They’ve got Blue’s arms restrained at her sides, the guards holding onto her struggling, naked form.
“Excuse me,” I call, and all four guards, and Blue, turn to face me. “Player Ten will actually be coming with me.”
The guards exchange glances. “That’s not how this works,” one says.
“I have direct orders from Marlowe that Player Ten is to stay and be rehoused. The games are changing this year.” Blue’s gaze inspects me, her curious eyes stirring something within me. “If you don’t believe me, go ask Marlowe yourself. I’m sure he’d be happy to be troubled with your insolence.”
Blue smirks.
