Nightmare Game
Copyright© 2025 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 123
No one jumped in right away. Answering shifted the ground—not just agreeing or not to Julian going solo, but endorsing a vote system.
The first let most folks tag along even if they dissented.
The second locked everyone in, no take-backs, no cheating.
Either way, bucking Julian’s idea risked crossing him—something few here wanted.
“How about we let Mr. Cole give it a shot?”
Leo broke the tense standoff.
“When we were together before, he drew off those purple jumpsuits to save me.”
“Think about it: if Mr. Cole would risk that for someone like me, no way he’d abandon the group.”
“Plus, unlike us, he’s a seasoned pro—better at snagging and using intel.”
“So, I’m voting for Mr. Cole.”
“Thanks.”
Julian’s smile stayed gentle, but inside, he had it in the bag.
He’d been waiting for this. With Leo stepping up, victory was near.
Of the five others, Victor was his guy; Leo owed him, likely to side his way.
Mason, if sharp, would oppose; Ethan was a negligible lightweight, but he’d cozied up enough times—should be fine.
Gavin? Leverage in pocket, a trump card for later. No need to play it yet.
Hadn’t coordinated with him anyway.
No matter—with himself, four yeses sealed the deal.
“I’m in too.”
Victor’s vote followed Leo’s seamlessly, playing buffer to dodge suspicion.
The tide turned Julian’s way; half backed him now. One more from the remaining three, and he’d own the board.
Mason’s brow furrowed; this wasn’t his desired path.
He hated handing his fate to a stranger.
“I object.”
Mason knew he had to speak up—crowd mentality could snowball, no turning back.
“Mr. Cole, nothing personal, I just...”
His voice wavered, confidence thin—a trait baked into him.
Yet he had a rare strength: in crunch time, he forced himself to face the fire.
“I get it; no need to explain.”
Julian’s smile held steady, his tone warm and understanding, like a confidant. “Everyone’s got their views. Standing firm against the flow? That’s solid.”
“And you’re new to me—wariness makes sense. Plenty of time; you’ll get to know me.”
He swept his gaze to the silent Gavin and Ethan.
Julian’s demeanor screamed gracious gentleman, but to Gavin, his look sent chills, like appraising merchandise.
Instinct screamed: this man’s core ran darker than his polish.
What fate awaited under his intel grip?
Gavin pictured it briefly, face paling, world crumbling into doom.
His gut roared: stop Julian at all costs.
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