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“Is this the end of the Castaways?” Baptiste asks, saying out loud what all of us are clearly thinking.

“It would take a lot of rebuilding from here,” Cromwell says.

“And who would do that?” Clement asks. “Who would even take on that mantle?”

We all fall silent, because we all know the answer.

Cromwell doesn’t even have to acknowledge it.

“I’m counting on your support, gentlemen.”

It’s all he says, but it’s enough.

He wants to take on that mantle.

He wants to be the next Supreme Elder.

And that’s why we’re here, in this fucking mansion. Not to chase down a murderer, but for politics. Elwood’s body isn’t even cold, and Cromwell’s already maneuvering.

I don’t say a thing. I owe him nothing.

“You can count on me, Father,” Clement affirms.

Baptiste is quick to respond.

“Me too.”

I notice Baptiste’s jaw is clenched even as he speaks those words. Every mention of the Masked Killer is like another stab at his heart. He’s probably remembering how he had to fight the murderer off in New Orleans. He’s the only person who has actually seen the man up close and lived to tell the tale.

Cromwell’s looking at me, expectant.

I glare back.

Footsteps from behind us cut my silence. We all turn.

Silas Anguish is approaching down the hallway.

“You’ll each hear from me soon,” Cromwell says to us before he slinks away, off to hunt for more support.

“Boys,” Silas greets us as he reaches our group. “I wish we were crossing paths in better circumstances.”

“Silas,” Clement replies, nodding respectfully.

The two nearly fought to the death over Elise but have held a grudging respect for each other ever since. Enemies to friends.

“I see Elder Cromwell is already gathering allies,” Silas observes with dark eyes. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and shorts. Nothing like the formal wear usually expected for this mansion. Like the rest of us, he was caught off guard by events.

“Is your uncle canvassing support?” Baptiste asks him.

Silas sighs.

“Of course he is, but I believe now is not the right time for succession fights.”

“My thoughts exactly,” I reply. “Our collective effort needs to go into getting this bastard.”

“I’m in full agreement,” Silas replies. “He needs to face justice for what he’s done to all of us, especially you two, Baptiste and Fabien.”

“Yes,” I say.