Gonda stared at the unknown number until the phone rang for the fourth time.

Kundra stood near the window, but he did not ask anything. He had been with Gonda long enough to know when a ringing phone was not just a ringing phone. Since Maren Voss died, every unknown call had started feeling like a hand reaching into the room.

Gonda did not move at first.

If the call came from World Zone, then at least he knew the shape of the danger. That side had a name, men, and orders that sounded like they came from a proper hierarchy.

If the call came from the other side, then he was not ready.

The nameless side had no clear face. They had money, goods, Bruno, Tobin, and a habit of knowing things too quickly. They had already moved Maren off the board and pushed Rust Gate into a new shape before anyone could breathe properly.

Gonda picked up the phone.

He did not speak first.

For one second, there was only a faint line noise. Then the old voice came through.

"You play smart moves, Gonda."

Gonda’s fingers tightened around the phone.

It was not World Zone.

He kept his voice even. "Who is this?"

"Do not waste my time."

Gonda swallowed the next words. The voice was not loud, but it carried the same cold weight he remembered. It was the old man from the other side, the one connected to Bruno, Wil, and the people who had turned every small local matter into something larger.

"You have a habit of looking for a second door," the old man said. "Men who survive usually have it."

Gonda said nothing.

"But looking for a second door and opening it behind my back are different things."

Kundra’s eyes moved toward Gonda, but Gonda did not look at him.

"I don’t understand what you mean," Gonda said.

"World Zone."

The name entered the room like a knife.

Gonda felt his back grow cold.

The old man continued, "You spoke to another organization behind my back."

"That is an accusation," Gonda said carefully. "If you have proof, say it. If you do not, then you are misunderstanding the situation."

The line went quiet.

That silence was worse than a shout.

Gonda had dealt with angry men all his life. Angry men gave something away. Their words grew careless. Their pride made them show where the wound was.

This old man gave him nothing.

"I did not betray our alliance," Gonda said. "I was forced to listen to many things after Maren died. That does not mean I joined them."

The silence remained.

Gonda’s mouth dried.

"When we made an alliance, I accepted it," he added. "I do not break agreements for no reason."

"Good," the old man said.

The word did not comfort him.

Gonda closed his eyes for a moment.

The old man had not pushed for a confession. That made Gonda more nervous, because a man who asked for nothing usually believed he already knew enough.

"If that is true," the old man said, "then I have work for you."

Gonda wanted to refuse before hearing it, but refusing too quickly would sound like fear.

"Speak," he said.

"Rust Gate is your ally now. Tobin is under our line. Harlan Pike is not."

Gonda’s eyes opened.

Kundra saw his face change and stepped closer.

"Go there," the old man said. "Stand in front of Rust Gate and announce that your alliance is with Tobin. Then remove the rebel leader in front of them."

Gonda did not answer.

"Harlan Pike is being used to split what belongs under our alliance. If he is allowed to keep standing, every man in Rust Gate will think Tobin is weak and every outsider will think our line can be challenged."

Gonda looked toward the table.

The request was not a request. It was a knife placed in his hand.

If he killed Harlan, World Zone would know he had moved against them. If he refused, the old man would know he was not as loyal as he claimed.

"You are asking me to start a war," Gonda said.

"No," the old man replied. "The war has already started. I am asking you to decide where you are standing."

Gonda’s breathing slowed.

He could almost see the trap now. The old man did not need proof of betrayal. He only needed a task that forced Gonda to act loyal.

"And if I do this?" Gonda asked.

"Then our alliance remains useful to both sides. You will receive the benefits promised to you, and I will remember that you moved when asked."

"And if I do not?"

The old man did not answer at once.

Gonda hated that pause.

"Then I will know you already chose another side."

Kundra’s face hardened, though he could only hear Gonda’s half of the conversation.

Gonda lowered his voice. "You think it is that simple?"

"I think men make simple things complicated when they want to hide something."

Gonda’s pride twisted, but he kept it down. Pride had killed more gang leaders than bullets.

The old man spoke again before he could answer.

"Do not send Bruno. You will go yourself. If your alliance with us is real, Rust Gate must see your face and hear your words."

Gonda understood the second layer immediately.

Bruno was the bridge, but Bruno was also the problem. As long as Bruno stood between Gonda and the nameless side, Gonda would always think of killing him and taking the connection.

The old man knew that too.

Gonda could feel it.

This was not a way out. It was a path that burned behind him.

"What exactly are you asking me to do?" he asked, though he already knew.

"Go to Rust Gate," the old man said. "Announce Tobin as the allied leader. Kill Harlan Pike if he stands in front of you."

Gonda went still.

Even Kundra did not breathe loudly.

"What are you saying?" Gonda asked.