Chapter 200

• I remained silent as he and David relished my obvious torment. He studied my discomfort as I began searching the room for an escape. Any escape. I glanced over at the table where an ornate chess set sat ready for a game. I thought of all the games I played against Charles Buckman and lost. I continued to stare fixated on the chessboard. The ebony Stanton pieces and their counterparts carved from ivory by a master craftsman many years ago. Now silently they were waiting for a game. Charles Buckman followed my gaze and a glimpse of a smile spread on his face.
• "You know Troy, it has been quite some time since we've played a game of chess. Why don't we make a little wager? If I win, David will take over as the President of Camden Bank & Trust and you go to the penitentiary."
• "And if I win?" I postulated as I took a sip of the very expensive cognac.