“I knew he would.” His laughter was absolutely genuine, and for a moment I wondered if it was Adis on the other end. “No one, absolutely no one else must know, otherwise our deal is off and I take matters into my own hands. Clear?”
The funny thing about threats is that no matter how dire, at some point they lose their sting. Your defenses collapse and you almost become numb. “Yeah, sure,” I said dismissing it. “Adis has agreed to meet with you.”
“Interesting that he agreed so quickly.” Now Sida sounded thoughtful. Suspicious.
“It’s not a trick, so just tell me the details and the next time I see him I will pass them on.” As I had proven all morning, I was in no mood for discussion. I still had half a day’s work ahead of me, then afternoon rounds, probably some consults to do, and then I had to torture and kill Eris, rescue the children, and then find a way of getting Sida and his kind out of our lives. I was swamped. But at least I had my health (Princess Bride reference).
“Of course it is a trick, but that doesn’t involve you.” He chuckled in Adis’s voice. “You have been surprisingly effective. Maybe I should keep you on the hook to control Adis?” His tone remained light, but his words had a malicious undercurrent. He suddenly laughed. “I’m just kidding. Like I told you yesterday, I want you and Eris out of the picture. So let’s make some plans.” My mind suddenly started to float above me. “Hmmm, I like the concept. A kill room with lots of plastic and duct tape.” He had snatched an image of Dexter Morgan’s kill room from my memory. “Are you really up for this? It seems a little hardcore.”
“Tell me what you hope to gain by having me kill Eris?” I had a vague trace of pity for the kidnapping/killing son-of-a-bitch.
He made me wait long enough that I had a thought of asking him again. “Hmm. I can’t give you a direct answer. That wouldn’t be the Adis-way. I have to be cryptic. A little puzzle for your little mind to work out.” The insult aside, I was excited that he was about to give me a peek at his cards. “When you find the point where vindication, retribution, and redemption meet, you will know my reasons.” I could hear his smile. “Now back to what we were discussing. There is a question of timing.” He paused and I could hear him humming deep in thought. “Do I meet with Adis first or do you and I conclude our business first? I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t expected you to be so efficient, and presently I’m right in the middle of something important.” He started humming again, and I took the phone from my ear. ”I’m afraid I’m going to need a few more days before we conclude our business.”
“What about Eris?” I said quickly, afraid he was going to hang up precipitously.
He started his damnable humming again. “He has become rather inconvenient hasn’t he? Can’t really reason with a rabid dog off the leash. I won’t make any promises, but I will try and put him on ice for a while.”
He paused and waited for my acceptance, but no matter what promise he made or nearly made I probably wouldn’t believe it. “Did you ever have any honor?” The words were out of my mouth before I even registered the thought that created them.
“You mean like Adis?” He chuckled knowingly. “Our friend Adis is not nearly as honorable as you have been led to believe. Like me, his only interest is self-interest. He just hides it better.” I imagined a silly smirk on his face, followed by a wink. “I will be in touch soon,” he said, and then he abruptly hung up.
The Unyielding Future Page 21