THE CONFRONTATION

THE CONFRONTATION
Damien’s pov

“Anderson?” I asked again, maybe I didn’t hear right earlier.

“Yes, Anderson… the Anderson you know,” he added bluntly.

“Why should I believe this?” I asked him.

“Because he’s the one… I didn’t want to say this before because if he finds out I’d told you, he’ll be the one to take my life,” he said.

“I won’t let that happen,” I promised again.

“I opened up just so you’ll know who you’re working with. Please don’t tell him this,” he pleaded.

What the hell, a captive scared of my men and not me, the boss?

“I’m sorry, but I have to confront him before this gets out of control,” I said.

“Please, I want to leave alive. You don’t know how he beats me up countless times without you knowing. If you notice and ask, he’ll just cover up saying I tried to escape. How can I even try to escape?” he said.

“You mean all this while he said you tried to escape, it had all been a lie?” I asked, widening my eyes in shock.

“Yes,” he said as he nodded his head.

I’m such an idiot, a naive idiot. I trusted him too much. I shouldn’t believe what this captive is saying, but my instincts tell me he’s telling the truth.

“Why should I believe you?” I asked him.

“Because I’ve seen Lorenzo and Anderson discussing and laughing at you before!” he shouted in pain.

My stomach twisted hearing this.

“You’ve what? Saw Lorenzo and Anderson? Laughing at me?” I asked, trying to believe what I heard.

“Yes,” he confirmed.

Why would Anderson do this to me? Does he see me as nothing but a weakling and decide to stab me in the back?

“You sure it’s the same Anderson here you saw? And when did this happen?” I pressed.

“Lorenzo got here a day after he called about his brother’s death. Finding out you killed his brother, he began plotting against you, but…”

“When did it happen!” I yelled, louder than I intended.

I felt the urge to strangle Anderson.

“One of our recruits was once a member in Sina. They thought of using Anderson to end you. Anderson gave us a call each time the coast was clear, and we killed anyone we saw out,” he said.

Anderson? You’re not who I thought you were.

“Why do you think he agreed to do this?” I asked, clenching my fist.

“I don’t know what he had been promised, but I know he would be rewarded. When he was first introduced to us, they were wearing masks. Lorenzo explained to us what he would be doing, but Anderson refused at first. Right there, Lorenzo took him to a private area where they spoke, and upon returning, Anderson accepted,” he explained.

“What had they promised him that’s enough to trade our loyalty?” I asked him angrily.

“I don’t know yet,” he said.

“How did you manage to see his face when he was wearing a mask?” I asked him.

“That first day, I couldn’t see his face. But the second time, when he was discussing with Lorenzo in his room, I saw him take off the mask as he drank with Lorenzo. I had to hide to avoid being caught. I took the idea of eavesdropping on them. I went towards the door as I heard Lorenzo saying: I need you to help me wipe out his entire men, but keep him alive. I have a special way I want his death to be,” he explained.

“What did Anderson say?” I asked him, picturing how both would sit, dining and planning my downfall.

“He said he would gladly be at Lorenzo’s service as they laughed, calling you names,” he answered.

That’s enough! I can’t keep the pain I felt to myself.

I stormed out of my office, my thoughts in disarray. The captive’s words echoed in my head: “Laughing at you.”

Could it be true? Could Anderson, the man I’ve trusted the most, be the informant feeding Lorenzo every detail of our plans? And even sharing drinks with him?

“Stay right here!” I warned the captive as I left.

I spotted Anderson a few steps away from the hall, speaking to one of our men.

“Anderson,” I called sharply. He turned immediately.

“Yes, boss.”

“Follow me. Now.”

He obeyed without a word as I led him into my office.

“Should I lock him…” he said, trying to pull the captive up.

“Anderson!” I cut him off as I rubbed my palm, clenching my fist.

He stared, looking confused.

“Do you know why I called you here?” I asked, my tone calm but edged with steel.

Anderson’s brows furrowed. “No, boss. Did something happen?”

I turned to the captive. “Tell him what you told me.”

The captive’s eyes darted nervously between us. “I… I don’t want to say it again.”

Anderson took a step forward.

“Say what again?” he asked.

“Speak!” I barked at the captive. “Or I’ll make sure this time you don’t walk out alive.”

He swallowed hard, trembling as he met my gaze.

“You asked who Lorenzo’s informant is… and I said it’s Anderson.”

Anderson blinked, clearly shocked… or pretending to be.

“What? Me? You’re accusing me?”

“You heard him,” I said coldly. “So tell me… is it true?”

“Boss, you can’t possibly believe this trash,” Anderson said quickly. “He’s saying that because he’s desperate to live. I’ve fought beside you for a while now! I’d never betray you.”

His voice sounded firm and convincing, but still, I believe he’s lying.

“Then explain why he’d name you out of everyone. He could have picked anyone else, but he didn’t. He chose you,” I demanded.

“I don’t know! Maybe he’s being fed lies. Maybe someone wants to turn you against me,” Anderson said, his tone rising.

I stared between them; the captive and my most trusted man.

Could the captive be lying to save himself? Or was Anderson’s act too perfect?

I couldn’t tell who was telling the truth. Should I believe the captive?