BXBX NOVEL Chapter 118: A Stimulating Conversation
He checked the time on his wristwatch. X was running late.
It wasn't a meeting he had set up but he knew that with the investigation on the company, X wouldn't miss a chance to gloat. All he had to do was wait for the masked man to appear.
As if on cue, an astral projection of X floated into view outside the window of his office. Ezra tilted his head in surprise. The two men stared at each other before X floated in, phasing through the window.
"I was almost worried you wouldn't come." Ezra grinned.
"Now, that's ominous." X floated away a bit.
Ezra adjusted himself in the chair, leaning forward slightly as he studied X's astral projection. The mask hid any discernible emotions, making it difficult to gauge X's intentions. Nonetheless, Ezra was determined to extract some useful information tonight.
"Why so evasive, X? You always seem to have a knack for being where you're least expected," Ezra began, his tone casual. "Is it so out of the realm of possibility that I expected you this time?"
"A knack for being where I'm least expected, huh." X chuckled, the sound echoing eerily in the dimly lit room. "It does keeps things interesting, don't you think? Predictability is the death of excitement."
"Excitement isn't why you're here, though, is it? Let me go straight to the point. I want to know more about the Silent Hand. What exactly is your connection to them?" Ezra's voice remained steady, but there was an underlying current of urgency.
X twirled in the air, his body language light and nonchalant. "The Silent Hand, you say? They do have a rather dramatic name, don't they? Almost theatrical. Silent Hand. Sounds like the name of a movie riddled with budget cuts."
Ezra clenched his jaw, recognizing the deflection. "Theatrics aside, they're a real threat. You know something about them. You haven't been quiet about that fact. Care to share?"
"Share? Oh, sharing is caring, as they say. But where's the fun in that?" X's voice was laced with amusement. "You're a resourceful man, Ezra. Surely, you've pieced together some of the puzzle."
X floated deeper into the office and Ezra turned with his rotating chair to face him.
"Some." Ezra admitted. "But not enough. Their moves are too precise. Their knowledge... too intimate." Ezra watched X closely, looking for any subtle reactions.
X hummed noncommittally
"You knew that they would attack me before they did, X. You've crossed paths with them before, haven't you? It's either that or you're a part of the Silent Hand but something tells me you're not."
X shrugged, an exaggerated gesture that seemed almost comical in his astral form. "Crossed paths, danced a waltz, exchanged pleasantries... who can say?"
Ezra's patience was thinning. "Is this a game to you? Why not just give me a straight answer for once?"
"A game? Life itself is a game, dear Ezra. It's all about strategy and survival. Speaking of which, how's the investigation going?" X floated closer, his masked face inches from Ezra's.
Ezra resisted the urge to lean back in his chair. X floated away and he sighed, massaging his forehead with his hand.
"You know who is behind this investigation, don't you?"
X shrugged.
"The investigation will be broken with or without your cooperation. But it would be more beneficial for everyone involved if you'd just be straightforward. After all, you don't want to see me fall. You wouldn't be helping me if you did."
"You know what? You have a point." X laughed, a sound that was surprisingly jovial. "Straightforwardness is kind of overrated. Besides, where's the challenge in that?"
Ezra took a deep breath, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Fine. Let's talk about you, then. Why are you doing this? What do you get from all this? What drives a man like you?"
X's head tilted, as if considering the question. "What drives any of us, really? Power? Knowledge? Perhaps a bit of both."
"Power and knowledge, huh? And how does the Silent Hand fit into that picture?" Ezra pressed, hoping to catch X off guard.
"They fit where they need to, when they need to. Adaptability is key, wouldn't you agree?" X responded smoothly.
Ezra's eyes narrowed. "You're very good at avoiding direct questions, X."
"It's a skill, really. One of many I pride myself on," X said with a flourish.
"Let's cut the dance, then. You're clearly involved with them. What's your endgame?" Ezra leaned forward, his gaze intense.
X's projection seemed to flicker for a moment, then stabilized. "Endgames are so final. I'm more interested in the journey. The twists and turns, the unexpected detours."
Ezra felt a surge of irritation. "You can't keep dodging forever. Sooner or later, I'll rip that mask off your face and find out who you truly are."
"Perhaps. But for now, I'm enjoying our little chat. It's been far too long since I've had a stimulating conversation," X replied, his tone mockingly earnest.
Ezra leaned back in his chair, realizing that he needed a different approach. "Alright, if you won't tell me about the Silent Hand, tell me about what you want. I can't help but wonder what it is that keeps you up at night."
X's laughter echoed again. "Oh, many things, Ezra. Many things. But why don't you tell me what keeps you up at night? Surely, your newfound wealth and your two lovely wives must bring some restless nights."
Ezra's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't bring them into this. They're off-limits."
"Touchy, touchy. I meant no harm. Just curious, that's all," X said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture.
"You can be curious all you want, but they're none of your concern. Let's focus on the matter at hand," Ezra retorted sharply.
"Ah, the matter at hand. Such a serious man you are, Ezra. But very well, if you insist," X said, his tone shifting to one of mock seriousness.
Ezra sighed, suddenly tired. "Why the Silent Hand? Why now?"