Page 25 of Outcast’s Vow

Elwood leans forward, placing his arms on his long desk. He takes a pause to read me carefully.

It’s quiet in here other than the gentle hum of the AC. The only movement in the room comes from the stock graph falling in a red downward trend.

“I’ve just browsed through the Castaways’ file on you,” Elwood murmurs.

I raise an eyebrow.

“Oh? And what did it reveal?”

Elwood smiles.

“Enough,” he says. “I must admit I’m impressed with your rise. You’ve worked hard.”

“Indeed, I have.”

“And you’ve got everything you’ve wanted.”

“Nearly everything,” I clarify.

“Ah. My daughter?”

“Not just her. I’ve got ambitions.”

“What kind of ambitions?”

There’s no point bullshitting the man.

“I’d like to be made Elder.”

There’s another pause.

And then Elwood laughs. It’s deep. Almost mocking.

“And why would you like to be made an Elder, Baptiste?”

I don’t even hesitate.

“Because the Castaways represent everything to me, sir. To be an Elder, to me, would define success. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. All this money I’ve made. All this material success. It is nothing unless I’m made an Elder.”

This is what securing Sylvie gets me. This is why I took part in the Chase. Proximity to the very center of Castaways power.

I’m damn sure I wouldn’t be having a private meeting like this with the Supreme Elder a month ago.

“I like your style,” Elwood remarks. “But why stop at being Elder? Why not go all the way? Why not sit in the chair I sit?”

“As Supreme Elder?”

Elwood’s eyes narrow.

“Not yet, of course. Not until I’m long dead and buried.”

“That certainly would be an ambition,” I remark.

“Is it one of yours?”

“We’ll see.”

Elwood chuckles now. He’s enjoying this little back-and-forth.