Note: It looks like I've found a use for Mr. Ingram after all.

SHORT STORY

Meet Mr. Ingram

October, 1968

The Administrator took her last sip of tea in the Control Room. She gazed at the huge computer screen in front of her and watched as both BLU and RED mercenaries finished yet another hard-fought battle with a stalemate. Exhausted, every one of them returned to their barracks and prepared to have some dinner. She turned off the computer screen.

At first, the Administrator felt a little skeptical about her new recruits, but when they adapted into their new environments, she knew that they fit in. The original nine mercenaries had already made friends with the six newcomers, especially the Hollywood siblings. Sometimes she was annoyed by the constant yearning for fame and fortune. Other times she felt amused. Seeing as how Rocketeer and Assassin had once worked in a very small film studio (owned by their Mongolian parents), it became clear that none of the mercenaries would obtain celebrity status in Southern California. Outlaw and Weatherman fared just as good. Pyro, Demoman, Engineer and Sniper seemed to be pretty fond of them. Knowing that Outlaw specialized in explosive artillery and Weatherman had a fascination of building things, they seemed to have gotten along quite well. The Administrator already knew that Bodyguard would be admired by his teammates, yet she had recently discovered the truth about his notorious cooking skills and creativeness. It was a good thing that the four chefs that she hired for the new cafeteria had arrived, even if they were one day late because of the bad driving directions that they received. Finally, Administrator thought of her Sri Lankan pupil. She took a huge risk when she sent Victoria into Mann territory, but she could see now that the Femme Fatale took her time to accept new responsibilities. Administrator felt relieved that Femme Fatale appeared to be happy with her new friends.

The telephone rang in the Control Room. Administrator picked it up and heard a familiar voice from the transmitter. It was her Messenger. He explained that he had received a letter from an unknown individual. Administrator told him to open it and read it. As soon as he opened the envelope, the Messenger read the letter,

"Dear Helen, it looks like I have finally caught up with you. I want to have a meeting at seven o'clock, at Giuseppe's restaurant. You will recognize me, I can assure you.

Sincerely, Mr. Ingram."

Administrator knew that name. She said 'thank you' to her Messenger and hung up the phone. She didn't have to feel suspicious about her Messenger. The letter was not a phony. She already knew about this fellow named Mr. Ingram. In fact, she was the only one in all of TF Industries who knew about him. She left the Control Room and prepared to visit Giuseppe's in one hour.

She had visited Giuseppe's restaurant twice now. It was an Italian restaurant made exclusively for some of the wealthiest people in the general area. When she led herself inside, she asked the desk clerk if a Mr. Ingram was here. The desk clerk replied that the man has indeed made a reservation and that he is now waiting for his other companion. The host led Administrator to his table.

Administrator already recognized the man from a far distance. Ingram smiled at her once he looked up from the menu. Two personal bodyguards in business suits stood between him. Born and raised in the United States, the man hadn't really changed the last time she saw him. He was now in his early 40's, much younger than she was. He looked slim and wore a casual business suit. He had short hair and was clean-shaven. Administrator felt impressed with his appearance.

When she sat down at his table, Mr. Ingram said, "Hello, Helen."

Administrator gave a little smile. "Nathaniel Ingram…I never expected to see you again."

"You heard about my failed assassination, didn't you?"

Administrator didn't feel like laughing at his little joke. She never expected to have a meeting with this man. She knew how powerful he had become.

She asked, "So how is your organization?"

His tone of voice remained calm and patient. "I'm having such a fun time with our most recent expansion."

"I congratulate you for achieving success."

"You congratulate me, but deep inside, you still resent me."

That was the truth. Both the Administrator and Ingram were once business associates at least twenty years ago. But then, he decided to create a business of his own. This led to mounting tensions between the two. In the end, they ended their friendship and Ingram left to pursue his own dreams. Now, the Administrator learned of his industrial triumph. He had become one of the most powerful businessmen in all of the United States. His power equaled to that of her own.

Administrator replied, "I can see now you are clairvoyant."

"I didn't have to research telepathy for that. I just had to see it in your eyes."

They read through their menus in silence. When the server asked what they want, Ingram ordered Chicken Parmesan with Ravioli. Administrator ordered Lamb Lasagna with salad on the side. The server left them alone.

Ingram asked, "So how are you holding up, Helen?"

"You ask that as if I am struggling financially. Your lack of knowledge quite amuses me, actually."

Ingram stayed calm as he smiled and said, "It was just a simple question."

"In that case, I have had my fair share of success."

"With the Mann brothers, I see."

Administrator grew curious. "How do you know about them?"

"I've done my research."

She smiled. "Time well spent."

They discussed more personal matters before and after the food had been served. Ingram talked about his organization: a private company that specialized in scientific progression, including medicine and geology. He married a wonderful woman when he and Administrator still worked together, but after their separation, he and his wife had two children. Both have just graduated from high school. Administrator, on the other hand, didn't have time to devote herself to family affairs. She always spent her time working. She mentioned that she only had one hour of free time every single year. She spent those hours feeding pigeons and watching them fight over bread crumbs.

"That sounds depressing."

"But I do enjoy confrontations."

Halfway through their meal, Administrator's curiosity rose at its highest peak. She jabbed at her half-eaten lasagna with her fork when she said, "You're a smart man, Nathaniel."

"Isn't it obvious?"

"I know what you're up to. You invite me to a scrumptious dinner and you wait until it is the right time to propose a deal."

"Memories never fade."

This tactic had been common practice in the business world. Both Ingram and Administrator had used it when they still worked together. And now, Ingram used this tactic against Administrator.

Administrator lit a cigarette. "What is it you want? Money? Weapons?"

"No, I want something much more than that."

"And what would that be?"

Ingram took a slow sip of his wine and placed the glass back on the table. He gave a piercing stare at his new rival. "I want to buy TF Industries."

Administrator didn't feel surprised, but rather felt displeased. "Do you, now?"

"I don't want just ammunition or electronic devices. I want the entire company."

"… I see. But why?"

"It has everything that I need. You see, I am currently running operations in South America and South Asia."

"I had the feeling that you wanted it for the Vietnam War."

"Vietnam is Washington's problem."

"What sort of operations are you running?"

Ingram lowered his voice. "They are top secret. I will, however, tell you that they require lots of military equipment. That's when I set my gaze on TF Industries. This is exactly what I want."

"I thought your company specialized in science."

"It does…but it also requires plenty of artillery."

"What is the price?"

"500 million dollars."

Administrator almost laughed. "I don't think the Mann brothers would approve of that."

"I already know that Blutarch and Redmond no longer have the power to run RED and BLU. It is now your decision. Think of it, Helen. I know that you have the power over every single division of TF Industries. I know that Blutarch and Redmond no longer have control over their companies, and yet they still fight for inheritance. And I know how they're still alive because of Mr. Conaugher's secret invention. So I'm leaving both brothers out of the equation."

Administrator exhaled a slow puff of smoke. "How very thoughtful of you to research everything there is to know about my company. But unfortunately, it's all for nothing. I cannot take your money."

Ingram kept calm. "But our operations in foreign countries can be important not only for me, but for you and the rest of the world. We're trying to excel in science. We're trying to make the world a better place."

"How is it that you want to make the world a better place when you're keeping it as a secret?"

"It's our business, Helen."

"I still say no."

Ingram began rubbing his fingers against his glass of wine. "I knew you would say that. You're such a powerful and strong-minded individual."

"Thank you."

"But I still see your company as an undeniable opportunity for authentic expansion."

"Please don't tell me that you're declaring war on TF Industries."

"I am not. I'm not that stupid."

Ingram took a sip of wine before he said, "Before you know it, I will have complete control over your company. I have friends from all over the world: CEO's from Chicago, San Francisco, Montreal, London, Stockholm, Milan, etc. They will help me get what I want."

"You're so keen on achieving the unthinkable."

"There is another way. I will publicize this war between the Mann brothers. I will spread the news with CBS, NBC, ABC, and even BBC. I will let the power of liberal media decide your fate. Plus, I will take away your fifteen mercenaries…with unique techniques. And I will reveal private information regarding the adventures of your little Sri Lankan apprentice."

Administrator slowly pushed her plate away. "I didn't think that you would know about Victoria."

"Like I said, I've done my research…and what I've found about her was pretty fascinating."

"So you're attempting to destroy my reputation with the use of blackmail."

"There are other ways I can do this, Helen. But in the end, you will know that I will conquer your precious little company."

Administrator squished her cigarette on the ashtray. "I never thought you would become so arrogant. You assume that I've turned helpless. Poor Nathaniel, you are wrong. I am still as powerful as you, if not more. I have friends from the other side as well, and they're just as authoritative as yours. Persuade me all you want, but I will never let you take TF Industries."

"So it's a no?"

"It's an obvious answer."

Ingram gave a smile, a very iniquitous smile. "You've just made the poorest decision in your life."

Administrator narrowed her eyes. "Prove it."

They were alone in the corner. The closest diner was at least twenty feet away. Helen Walsh and Nathaniel Ingram had no fear in saying what had to be said.

"So Helen, you want another private war?"

"I shall be waiting for it."

Ingram's voice turned into a whisper. "Thank you for ignoring my warnings…because I'm really going to have some fun with this."

Coming up next:

I Thought it was Treasure