Chapter 7 The Dangerous Game

• The Dangerous Game
• Rosy made increasingly frightening and persistent threats as the days went on. Like a shadow, she hung around the periphery of my existence, waiting to strike when I least expected it.
• Her presence seemed like it was weighing down on me, a continual reminder of the peril I was in. But I was unable to push her away, try as I would. She was going to ruin me and pull down all I had accomplished.
• And a part of me wondered if there was some truth to her remarks, even as I attempted to ignore her and push her away. Would she really be the key to regaining her love?
• Such ideas could not afford to cross my mind. Not when my whole future was at jeopardy and the stakes were so great.
• But as hard as I tried to concentrate on the work at hand, Rosy's existence was like an itch that would never go away.
• My phone rang with a new message one evening as I sat by myself in my office going over paperwork and attempting to keep one step ahead of Rosy's threats. Of course it was her, her name flashing like a warning on the screen.
• Still think Leonard, you can ignore me? Her words were venomous when the message was read out. Until I get what I want, I'm not leaving.
• Frustration hammering in my heart, I tightened my hands. How could she pursue retribution with such unwavering persistence?
• Then, though, something struck me. Maybe, oh maybe, there was a way to use her own strategies against her, to turn the tables.
• I pounded out a reply, my fingers sweeping across the screen, determined now.
• Games are what you wish to play, Rosy? Alright.. Recall, though, that I'm not the only one hiding things. And you could simply discover what I'm capable of if you push me too far."
• Sending it sent me a wave of satisfaction. I could outsmart Rosy yet, maybe, just maybe. But as little as I knew, the stakes had never been higher and the game was far from done.
• Rosy's answer the following day was like a slap in the face; her words were so clear they could cut through the air.
• Leonard, you believe you can terrify me. Think you can scare me into giving up? You have no concept with whom you are dealing."
• Grinning, I clenched my teeth at every word she typed. "Rosy, you've got no idea what I can do. You will regret pushing me too far."
• I could still hear her chuckle, a caustic reminder of her unflinching will. Leonard, I'm shaky in my boots. You, though, ought to be the one terrified. I'm not going to stop until I have my way."
• Anger boiling over, I banged my fist against the desk. What then are you wanting, Rosy? Credit? Influence? Justification?"
• Her answer was scathing and fast. All of it, Leonard. Your reputation, your money, your very soul—I want it. And I'll take it forcefully if you don't hand it to me voluntarily."
• Every second that went by, I could feel the walls enclosing in on me. Rosy had backed me into a corner from which there was no escape.
• Then, though, a ray of optimism appeared in the shadow. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a way to cheat her, to outwit her at her own game.
• I took up the phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in years with a steely conviction. It was time to get in touch with an old friend who might guide me over the perilous waters that lay ahead.
• "Hello?" a surprised and suspicious-sounding voice on the other end of the phone said.
• Despite the anguish inside me, I said, "It's me," my voice steady. "I need assistance."
• And as I described how I was going to finally bring Rosy down, hope shot through me. Perhaps there was, in the end, a way out of this mess.
• The worst danger of all, though, was already hiding in the shadows, ready to strike when I least expected it, as I got ready to take on my old foe.
• Relief swept over me as soon as I told my old friend my intention. I thought I had a fighting chance at last against Rosy's unrelenting assault. But as I was going to put the phone down, I heard a voice that stopped me in my tracks.
• "Well, well, well, if it isn't Leonard, doing business with the devil."
• Turning, I saw Rosy standing in the doorway, her eyes blazing with rage. She knew exactly what I was doing because she had been listening in on my talk.
• Leonard, you expected to outwit me? Her voice tinged with hatred, she said. "You believed you might do business behind my back and get away with it?"
• Though Rosy wasn't listening, I attempted to stay composed and figure out how to get out of this mess.
• Hersing, "I'll make you pay for this, Leonard," she moved toward me, a deadly gleam in her eye. "I'll see to it that you never cross me."
• There was an abrupt disturbance outside the door, though, before she could carry out her threat. People yelling, feet hammering on the floor. Then, without notice, the door sprang open, letting a gang of men—my former ally among them—in.
• I added, a little satisfied, "Looks like you're not the only one with friends in high places, Rosy."
• She gave me a snarl, clearly furious. Leonard, this isn't past. Mark it, I'll figure out how to get even with you."
• Then, before I could stop her, she turned and ran into the darkness.
• I became uncomfortable seeing her go. Because Rosy was such a strong opponent, I knew our fight was far from done. At the very least, though, I had bought myself some time.
• As I stood there with my friends, though, I had no idea that the actual fight was only getting started. And as the jigsaw started to come together, I came to understand that there had never been more danger or stakes.