I put my hair up in a high ponytail and decide on a no-makeup look.
I stare down at the ring, deciding to keep it on. Enzo’s right, I might need to sell it for money at some point. And if today goes badly and I’m left abandoned in Mexico or something, then I might need to sell it sooner than later.
Then I head downstairs.
We are supposed to meet Archard at Surrender.
I assume Enzo will give me a ride since I don’t have a car, money, or any other means of transportation.
“Miss Miller, Enzo is waiting for you in the car out front,” Westcott says when I reach the main floor.
“Thanks.”
“Good luck to you, Miss Miller,” Westcott says as I approach the door.
I nod and step outside. His good luck didn’t actually sound like a well-wishing of words. It sounded like a warning.
I step outside expecting to see one of Enzo’s shiny race cars. Instead, I see a large blacked out SUV.
I approach the passenger side and see Zeke sitting there. Langston is in the driver’s seat.
I smile at them and then walk to the second door and open it. Enzo is already seated on the far side. I climb in and shut the door.
None of the men speak to me, but Langston starts driving.
I can normally tolerate silence, but the silence is suffocating.
I stare at the men, all dressed similarly to my own look: dark jeans, dark T-shirts, and jackets. The only difference is I’m sure they are all caring guns, knives, and any other weapon they can hide beneath their clothing.
I try to forget about what’s happening and stare out the window. I let the sun warm my face as I lean it closer to the glass.
Langston stops the car at the back entrance of Surrender. We all climb out one by one and file into the building, walking toward Enzo’s office.
No, not his office. Black’s office. This could as easily be my office as it is Enzo’s.
I notice a large table has been brought in, and Archard is already sitting at one end.
Enzo walks around to one side of the table and takes a seat. Langston and Zeke follow. Zeke looks weak, his steps are careful, and I’m sure he’s still feeling a lot of pain.
I take a seat opposite them and watch as the three men stare at me like I’m truly their enemy. I no longer feel welcome here. I knew Enzo would be staring at me with determination in his eyes, but Zeke and Langston’s looks surprise me. I thought I had made headway in making them think better of me. But they are both glaring at me like they want to kill me and they are just waiting for their boss’ word.
Archard nods to both of us and pulls out a piece of paper.
“I will read the rules, ask for any questions you may have, and then the game will start. Remember, outside of the rules I read; there are no rules. As long as you don’t break the specific rules written here, you are free to win in any way possible.”
Any way possible. His words read dark, and I know he means we can kill each other if that is how we’d like to win. I wouldn’t be able to kill Enzo. For one, I don’t even have a gun. I already know Enzo won’t kill me. But could he order one of his men to do it?
“You are free to use any resources, people, etc. you can persuade to your side.”
I stare across at Zeke and Langston. Enzo has the loyalty of two great men. They will do whatever they can to help him win. And he has a whole organization of people at his disposal that would help him.
As his fake wife, I might be able to convince a few of them to help me out. But I don’t want help. I want to do this on my own.
I stare at the empty chairs next to me. I’m alone. I’m always alone.
“Now to the rules. The objective is easy: steal the high school class ring of Mr. Milo Wallace.”
He opens the folder in front of him and pulls out two identical images and hands one to Enzo, the other to me.