It was the first time he had ever called her Daisy.
‘Hundreds of new students, every year, every one of them with a dream, a hope; a dream of learning. Oh, I know, most of them are deadbeats, but perhaps a small percentage will go on to discover something new. A new shape, a new map. A new way of counting the universe. That’s my job in life, Daisy, to nurture the best. I believe you could be such a student. Would you like to be?’
Daisy nodded; it was all she could manage.
‘Good. I’m initiating a new project: I intend to break into the AnnoDomino game system. And I’d like you to be part of my team.’
‘But nobody’s ever—’
‘I trust you’ve noticed the similarities between my work and the game?’
‘You think somebody’s stolen your work? Mister Million, perhaps.’ Daisy was keeping her voice steady, just about.
‘Perhaps,’ Hackle said. ‘Or else we’re both coming from the same place.’
‘So you’d like to win, to get your own back? And you’re prepared to cheat. I’m not sure I can—’
‘It has nothing to do with winning. I have all I need. Nor with pride.’
‘So, what then?’
‘I want to find this Mister Million and destroy the dominoes. It is my duty.’
‘It’s just a game. I don’t understand.’
‘Come round here.’
Daisy walked around the desk, where Hackle was punching keys on his computer. Daisy’s paper vanished under a list of names. ‘These are all the half-winners so far,’ he pointed out, ‘listed with the number of times they have won.’
‘Isn’t that classified information?’ Daisy asked. ‘You can learn who has won, but not how many times.’
‘It is quite easy to break in at such a low level. Now, as you can see, the vast majority have won only once, which we would expect from the laws of chance. However, here, and here, you see? Some of them have won twice on the half-casts.’ A key press separated a few names from the hundreds that were scrolling downwards. ‘Ten of them, to be precise. This is straining the probability envelope, don’t you agree, given the short—’
‘I know one of those names,’ said Daisy.
‘You do?’
‘Yes. Edward Irwell…’
‘You know him?’
‘No. I just know the name. Don’t ask me where from. It rings a bell, you know?’
‘Try to remember, please. It could be important.’
‘It is strange that so many have won twice,’ said Daisy. ‘From a rough guess, I’d say one or two, at the very most, should be the score.’
‘Of course. Let’s call it a freak blip. But could we claim the same for this result?’ Hackle had dragged another two names from the winners’ list. ‘Janice Albright. Gerald Henson. These two players have both won three half-casts.’
‘No. That’s impossible.’
‘Is it? You saw from this week’s assignment that the dominoes don’t always follow the rules. Somehow, the play-to-win factor has been increased.’
‘Only if it’s true that the game is based on your own work.’
‘Very well. Let’s say I’m mistaken. Here’s another list for you.’ Another key-press opened a new window. ‘These are the people who have been murdered because of the game, the so-called jealousy killings. Fifteen players, all found clutching a half- winning domino. Study them, if you will.’
Daisy did so. The two names jumped out at her.
‘I don’t understand.’
‘It’s very simple. The two people who have won three half- casts, Albright and Henson, have both been killed. What are the chances of that? Another freak blip?’ Hackle turned off the computer. This week’s assignment was merely to focus your attention on the fate of the half-winners. What do you think?’
Daisy went back to her seat. ‘OK,’ she said. The very fact they have half-won three times is what drove the killers into action. Jealousy, magnified.’
‘Maybe. In the meantime I shall be trying to locate the ten who have won twice already. If one of them wins again, and is subsequently killed, would you still be so sure?’
‘What are you saying? That the AnnoDomino is killing them?’
‘Yes, I think so. Under the cover of jealousy killings. The police are no use, of course, being in the pocket of the game.’
‘Isn’t this bad for Mister Million’s image? What does he gain?’
‘You have heard of the lucky bleeders, I presume?’
The natural-born winners? Sure. You think they really exist?’
‘How else do you explain people winning three times? If you were Mister Million, what would you do? Let them go on winning? No. Of course not. AnnoDomino would rather breed out the good luck. And that means killing the carriers. You see now, the urgency of the matter. Should I stand aside and let more innocent people die? Well, should I?’