The third book in the Mind Master Chronicles series — Mind Master Chronicles: The Pretender is done! E-book versions will be provided by Smashwords (and its retail partners) and Kindle for $2.99. The print price is: $12.99.
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More coming soon!
I will add links for the book as they become available.
All my books are listed as adult now. I had to choose between general audiences and adult for the books on Smashwords, so I decided adult was more appropriate as these books are not for children.
I will be participating in the Smashwords End of Year sale again this year. I will post the dates when I have them.
www.jenniferalicechandler.com
https://jenniferalicechandler.wordpress.com/the-mind-master-chronicles/
ACT III
Chapter 1: The Mind Master
There is a loneliness to a funeral. I’m not sure if it’s better or worse when there is no body. This time there is no body — just an empty casket, a plaque, and a lot of ashes that couldn’t be identified. But there are a lot of tears all the same, for the casket and the plaque represented a loss — the loss of someone who meant something to the living. It’s good to be able to change things — to see the impact of something that you’ve done on the rest of the world. It shows that you matter. You aren’t just biding time in this world. You are a player.
I’m not sure how the idea first came to me at. I’m not sure if I wanted a sort of school for people like me — make more of me. But no, that’s not it. As far as I’m concerned, the world might as well not exist at all once I’m through with it. No, what I think I wanted was to enjoy myself, to have control. And yes, to have leverage. I find leverage is better than money. Yes, the ability to bend people to your will is priceless. But this — this one thing here — this is just for me. The satisfaction I glean from this funeral cannot be measured in mere words.
I dress myself for the day. It’s hard to know exactly what to wear. If you’re too trendy, then you come across as a needy attention seeker. If you wear clothes that are woefully outdated then you aren’t one of them. I have two audiences, which makes it more complicated. Eventually, I will only have one audience. The first audience will become my participants. At that point, it won’t really matter what my participants think. It won’t even mater what the family members of my participants think. They’ll be helpless to do anything to change what I am about to do. I only behave a certain way in order to get a certain result out of people.
So far I’ve been winning the trust of group one, so that they’ll allow themselves to be my participants. The goal is to get them here willingly to my island.
It’s amazing how little hope there is in the world. I would kill, literally kill, to be in their positions — to be elites — but they don’t appreciate that. It’s probably because they spend all their time clustered up with each other. They don’t bother comparing themselves to the likes of me, and none of them feel like they measure up enough to each other. Maybe after winning my game they will feel that superiority they’ve been reared to believe that they have. Maybe they will have an audience of lesser beings who will worship them the way they feel they should be worshipped. I don’t know, and I don’t really care. It’s all a means to an end for me.
They listen to me because I give them the hope that I can change their lives for the better. The old way wasn’t getting them far enough ahead. You have to introduce unfair rules in order to gain unfair advantage. And I’ve convinced them that not only am I willing to do this for them, but I am also able. So, they listen to me — follow me — so I can make their lives into what they can only dream of on their own: a twenty-four-hour spotlight and a world filled with only affirmation and adoration for them.
Meanwhile, I’ve been building up my second audience. These are the ones that through circumstances I can relate to. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t care less what happens to these people. I merely enjoy seeing them turn on my first audience. And they will turn on them completely; I can already see it happening.
I sigh. This look will never do. I have to appear indifferent. They already don’t respect me enough. They probably see my thinning hair and know that I’m aging. That’s enough to get them not to respect me, for it proves that I am not an elite. I wouldn’t be aging this fast if I were. And if I appear to care too much what they think of me, then one of them will probably try to take over my role and complete my mission. Then, I will have lost control of the herd. No, they will have to believe that I can follow through with what I have promised them just long enough for me to complete my real mission.
Most people have to have the hope that whatever fantasy they desire will come true. In order to own them, you first have to have circumstances strip away these people’s hope that their desires can be obtained through any other means but you. In other words, you become their only hope.
People come to people like me because they want things to change for the better for themselves. They won’t. I would lose my leverage with the world if they did. Yet, it doesn’t dawn on them that there may not be any winning for them in this game — that I won’t allow it. Why can’t they wrap their little minds around that? It’s simple enough for me. Why would I let them win?
Still, in the end, I just have to convince them I want things to change, and that I have the power to make it happen. Then, I’m set. Stringing them along successfully, however, is a skill in and of itself.
What’s on my side is this desperate desire they have to be right about their bright futures. They can’t stand the status quo. Even for them — even though it appears they have enough (certainly more than I do) it isn’t enough for them. Then again, I can’t honestly say that I can’t relate at all. Even when I had thought that I had had everything handed to me, I had still wanted more. I had wanted control. So, I guess we’re really not all that different — not that that will save them from me.
As for the girl, her placid behavior annoys me. It isn’t as though she doesn’t know she doesn’t belong here. I don’t know what game she’s playing. She couldn’t possibly just be accepting this change in her circumstances. She must be planning something — must be plotting to escape. Oh well, either way, I’ve thought through every contingency. I know I have. There will be no escaping for her. What is she going to do? Swim out into the ocean? Past the rocks and the man-eating sea life? But I have to admit, her calmness unnerves me. It’s unexpected, which makes it unpredictable. I don’t like unpredictable — not when I’m playing a game. I figure it will be better when the others I’m collecting get here. Then, maybe she’ll tell one of them what she’s thinking. In the very least, she won’t see herself as so important once she becomes just one of many. And the arrival of the others will signify something more as well. It will mean I am one step closer to my goal.
“What are you doing?” she asks me.
I turn a scathing look upon her. She asked me a direct question unprompted. How should I react to that? I don’t like it. I don’t like that she’s not afraid of me — that she presumes to ask me a question. But do I want to manipulate her into liking me? Or, do I want her to be afraid? I decide I want her to feel nothing.
“What does it look like I’m doing but digging a hole, idiot?”
That seemed to get to her. I could see her flinch. She is sensitive to criticism. Wuss. Good, I can use that. She walks away. Good riddance. I don’t need her right now. I have plenty of prep work to do, and I would rather be alone while I do it. There will be plenty of time to deal with her … deal with them all later.
I have her greet the others with necklaces of flowers — even the boys. I find I get a sick sense of satisfaction in humiliating the boys. She is pretty — that’s for sure … just like her mother. And I can tell the boys are torn about accepting the wreaths. They don’t want to insult her precious feelings. I laugh inside at them. I’d never humiliate myself for a woman. I sigh. I wonder if cracking these boys is even going to be a challenge. Sadly, the girl seems to be a more elusive target than they are, and yet she looks like a stiff wind could blow her over most of the time.
I wonder sometimes why they risked having a child at all. Perhaps it was unplanned. Should I ask her if that’s the case? I could scarcely ask anyone else. She’s supposed to be dead, after all. I shrug. She probably doesn’t even know. She’s so clueless — too clueless to have something like that weighing on her. Then again, she hasn’t reacted normally to her current change in circumstances, so maybe she doesn’t react normally to anything.
Of course, I end up wondering what the Instructor would make of her. I have to say she’s a lot more interesting a specimen than his protégé was. Aronade was far too emotional for my taste. And yet, at this point, a whole lot less annoying.
I need to get away and go into my office — my cave — for a while, but I can’t. Now is not the time. I have more “guests” coming. It frustrates me that things, once again, didn’t work out according to plan. Everyone was supposed to arrive at the same time. But at least one of the “guests” proved to be a bit more elusive than the others. I won’t feel completely at ease until I get confirmation that they are all on their way. I’m not sure how it will affect my plans if they aren’t all here.
One of the things I’ve been pondering is how I’m going to allow the goings-on of the outside world affect the outcome of what happens here. In other words, if their parents refuse to live up to my expectations will their progeny pay for it no matter what the contestants do here? I’m sure they would all whine about how unfair that would be. All they ever do is whine. And there they all are — elite. They don’t appreciate that I’m sure. Actually, I already know that they don’t. Well, my mind is made up — let them pay. The trick is to not let them know that I’m setting them up for failure.
“So, everyone’s not here yet.” I inform the contestants who are present.
The girl appears nervous and wrings her hands. What is that about? Is she trying to annoy me? She’s certainly not in sync with me. And here I thought she was emotionless. What a disappointment she’s becoming! She needs to be like me. She needs to prove that we are, in fact, superior after all. As it stands, she is a distraction that is throwing me off my game. How do I recreate my first impression?
“So, why are we here now then? To waste our time?” some punk mouths off.
Should I play it tough? Act like I could take him down physically? I probably couldn’t by myself, but I have paid men for that — lots of paid men. No, I’m going to make an example of him. That’s the ticket.
I make a motion with my eyes toward some of my hired thugs. They read my intent effortlessly. It’s great! I am giddy as they seize the punk by the arms. And here these aren’t even the worst of my paid men!
“Take him to ‘the room’!” I bellow for dramatic effect.
The whole scene has the desired effect. The rest of the kids are freaked out. They had been promised an adventure — a forbidden adventure. But now their host appears to be unstable. They have to be wondering how they are going to get out of this situation. You won’t, I tell myself, and a delicious grin crosses my face. But now is not the time to let them know that. I laugh aloud.
“We’re going to start off with some refreshments while we wait for the others.” I inform the rest.
They still all look wary. But wait until they see the refreshments, I think. I spared no expense. I will partake of the refreshments first just to prove the food can be trusted — that there’s no poison … this time. Who knows what the future will bring?
As far as the other boy — the one who mouthed off to me — I have no intention of having him return to the game … ever. And yet, I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with him. I may need all of these kids’ parents to play ball for my plan to work. But I don’t see ransoming him off individually at this point. So, I plan on keeping him alive … for now. But he’ll stay in isolation. Let the others wonder what happened to him. Better yet, maybe I’ll let them see him sitting in his self-induced prison as we walk by on our way to and from our tasks. Yeah, he’s alive — for now — but for how long? And how long will he be able to take his infinite time-out before he snaps?
The girl is looking at me again. Then, she quickly looks away. My face falls. Boy, is she annoying!
The food arrives. And boy, it’s even more impressive than I had hoped. I have quite the appetite. After all, I’m the only one here who’s relatively confident that the food isn’t poisoned. I say relatively because you can’t be a hundred percent sure in this world. No one around me has a motive to kill me … yet. But someday that will assuredly change.
I begin to eat with vigor, and once again my choice has the desired effect. The others cluster around me and seem eager to partake in the feast. I am a gracious host — on my best charismatic behavior, and I can see them begin to let their guards down. The only one who isn’t eating is the girl. She is just watching us from a distance. I don’t recall when she was last fed. Perhaps she’s not hungry. Perhaps.
Then suddenly, I hear the distinctive staccato of helicopter blades, and I realize that my final three contestants have arrived. I smile foolishly despite myself. It’s all coming together for me again. Everything’s going to work out — I’m sure of it.
The helicopter lands, and I count them as they step off. One. Two. Three. Perfect.
There are two new boys and a girl. Now my set — my collection is complete. I wring my hands in anticipation. Perfect, I again think to myself.
Once again, I send my guests through the girl’s greeting line. I don’t have to perform this useless ceremony, but quite frankly I enjoy forcing people to do humiliating and pointless things just because I said so.
There is one of the boys that I register as being a potential problem. It makes me wonder whether or not I may have actually made a mistake not screening my guests with personality in mind. This guy, Sebastian Whitaker, seems to have some anger in him. I’m surprised he agreed to come along without a fight. I will have to ask how that was accomplished. Though, it could explain the delay, I suppose. But still …
I watch him. He approaches the girl as the others had. Is it just my imagination, or is he lingering in front of her? Suddenly, he turns a defiant glare onto me. No, I have to figure out what is going on here. I approach the young man.
“Don’t like the accommodations?” I ask him in a snarky tone.
“I don’t like being forced here at gunpoint.” he returns.
“Oh, I see. That makes sense.”
I look around me to see if the other guests heard Sebastian’s accusation. The rest seem to be mingling with the others, partaking in the buffet. I do have to wonder if Sebastian mentioned the gun to the other two guests who just arrived. If they did hear about it, they are pretending they didn’t. Interesting. I may have to do damage control. Who knows who else they’ll tell? I’ll have to cause a wall of distrust between the newcomers and those who came before. The best way I can think of is to put them on different teams. Speaking of trust, I turn my back on Sebastian. I do this not because I trust he won’t attack me but because I ordered my security forces to take out anyone who tries to attack me. I can feel their eyes upon him, and I’m waiting. I bet Sebastian can feel it, too.
I spin around toward him, emboldened by the power I suddenly feel.
“I will have a talk with my men.” I sound intentionally insincere. “I know I said I wanted you here but to threaten you with a gun … that’s going too far.”
The boy glares at me. I smirk back at him.
“Well, I hope you haven’t lost your appetite! There’s plenty to eat!”
He remains silent. I can tell he’s wanting to hit me … but he doesn’t. Perhaps it’s the presence of the guards that is holding him back. And yet, why isn’t he insisting on being released? I had implied that he isn’t being held here against his will. You’d think he’d call my bluff. I was expecting him to. What? Is he going to just remain here without a fight? What is with this sudden change in his attitude? No, he still has an attitude, but he’s no longer protesting his being here. And I have to wonder why.
“I insist you come to eat.” I tell Sebastian. “There won’t be time for it later, and I won’t have you interfering with my plans.”
I am surprised when he complies without a word. Something is off here … but what?
As I watch Sebastian join the others in the food line, I busy myself with my plans for my first game. I plan on starting the game before I make contact with the contestants’ worried parents. Let the parents sweat it out for a bit, I figure. Plus, I plan on making my directorial debut with the footage I plan on taking. The trick is for me to let the parents know what kind of danger their kids are in without having the kids figure out that they’re basically my hostages.
The lure was ingenious — if I do say so myself. Let them all think they are in on a joke — a grand production. We are making a video series that will make all of them instant celebrities. The audience will think it’s real … but it’s really not. Won’t the audience be surprised when they find out that the contestants are merely acting? That’s what my guests believe the game is — that’s the bill of goods I sold to them to get them here. You know really, I can’t believe they fell for that. It’s so unoriginal — so boring. No, I prefer my own version of the game. In my version everything is real, and the joke is only on the stupid, immature contestants whose stupidity prevents them from seeing that it’s all too real. I smile as I watch them eat. For one of you, it might be your last meal, I think.
“All right.” I tell the group. “It’s getting to be the time to begin. We don’t want to keep your audience waiting.”
The group condescends to show me some respect, but I know they don’t really feel it. I can tell what they’re thinking. I thought the same sort of thing when I was their age — when I was so absorbed by a sense of immortality that I figured I would never age. But as I’ve noted, I am already showing signs of aging. And unlike them, who have been genetically altered not to age much after they become teenagers, I’m not an elite. So when I started to lose my hair … that was a bad day for me. It was a visual of what I already knew — that I was dying faster than they were. I scoff. Yeah, we’ll see about that.
So, in the meantime, I have to contend with their disrespect of me — their air of superiority. They flatter me because they want something from me, not because they respect me … because they clearly don’t.
That’s one positive thing that I can say about the girl. She isn’t elite either, so she doesn’t look down on me. Therefore, I won’t have to make her pay for that the way I will the others.
Suddenly, one of the girls raises her hand as though this is some sort of lame classroom. She appears to be waiting for a response.
“Yes?” I gag out a response.
“Umm … can we fix ourselves up first? Or, would that ruin the illusion?”
“No.” I grin broadly. “That won’t ruin the illusion at all.”
Chapter 2: The Mind Master
Game 1: The Lost Girl
“Everyone take a key.”
I have an employee bring a case around to the guests in order for them to pull a key from it. I didn’t leave it to chance. I had waited until the three latecomers were standing near each other. I had the servant go to them first. That meant they would all be in the same group no matter which key they chose. Then, I give the servant a second case for Group 2.
“The ones with the black keys will be the first players. You will be looking for your teammates. Your teammates will be locked in cells in various locations. If you can locate your second team member, that person can be freed with the black key. The two of you can then go looking for teammate three.”
“And how do we know where to look? Do we get some clues?” that annoying girl from before asks.
“No.”
“Then, how do we find …”
“That’s your problem.”
“Oh.”
She is disapproving of me. I’ll have to find out what her name is for future reference.
“So, is that it?” another upstart asks me. “Just assemble our own team before the others can?”
“More or less.” I state with a smile.
I let that sink in for them. I can tell they are less than impressed.
“Oh, I guess there is one more thing. There is a third team.”
The guests are a bit startled. They wait to hear what I’m going to say next. They are probably wondering where the third team is. They haven’t seen Team 3. Team 3 is a group I had selected out from my paid men before I brought the contestants here. Well, except for the men’s leader; he selected himself to be part of Team 3.
“Their mission is to take your keys from you.” I continue. “If they get a key you haven’t used yet, your team will be complete at that moment, and all those who have yet to be found will be out.”
“Out?” that annoying girl persists.
“Yes, out.”
“But what does that mean?”
“Let’s hope you don’t find out.”
I sneer.
“Oh, and in the name of fairness, I’ve decided to release the guy I placed in solitary confinement earlier. He will be joining Team 2. He’ll be back in the game if he’s freed later.”
This announcement puts the group at ease. I knew that it would; I planned it that way. True, at first I had had other plans for this kid, but then I changed my mind. I decided I liked this plan better. Not only would it even up the teams … for now — it also gave these people a false sense of security. I want the guests to think these games are harmless for as long as possible. Meanwhile, I will ratchet up the tension for the viewers when I reveal the real danger they are in on camera. I figure it will cause the people watching the entertainment to become even more tense. It will be gut-wrenching for them to see the contestants too clueless to try to protect themselves from danger — from me. For the observers to anticipate their children figuring out the truth, and then to watch the participants break down … that will be a great moment. I am going to anticipate that moment.
Still, the contestants appear to be becoming tense after all. I can see the adrenaline flowing. They are looking between each other with the seeds of distrust that I have planted.
“An elimination already?” that same girl again.
She thinks this is a game. Fool.
“Not if you win.” I return with a laugh that isn’t meant to convey the anger that I feel.
And still, I don’t know that I was able to pull it off. I can tell that that girl doesn’t think much of my game. I have to get rid of her. If I had my way she’d be one of the first to go, but it turns out that I can’t manage that. She has unfortunately pulled one of the black keys. No, to take her out now would mean taking out at least half of the others.
I will just have to satisfy myself with planning her downfall. I will have to have patience. Unfortunately, patience isn’t my strong suit.
My first order of business in regards to this upstart girl is to get her name. Then, I’ll know which family I’m going to be dealing with in regards to her. Hopefully, they don’t have the power to make me pay when this particular girl never returns. Knowing who this girl is will help me decide if my revenge is worth it.
In order to get her name, I devise a plan. I have everyone sign their names on a list to check out their individual keys. I claim it’s so people can’t switch keys between each other. As the list gets passed around, I make note that name number five on the sheet is the girl in question.
Only my current plan doesn’t satisfy me anymore. I decide I want them to switch keys. I want someone to take … I am handed the list — Maggie Dalton’s key away from her. Somehow I’ve got to manipulate the situation, so she’s the last one on her group’s roster. Then, I can get rid of her now.
But how do I get them to rebel against my rules? Make them think they can get away with it? Unless …
I dramatically rip the list in front of them. It is indeed only for dramatic effect. I can still read all the names, and the paper will be as good as new with a little tape.
“I’ve changed my mind.” I announce.
I know this declaration might undermine their respect for my judgment, but it’s worth it to me.
I look squarely at Maggie Dalton.
“Maggie Dalton brings up a good point.” I begin.
Is it just me, or did Maggie Dalton just shudder? I smirk.
“Since there’s so much at stake, why shouldn’t you have more control over the outcome? If you don’t have confidence in the person with the black key, you can have them trade with the person with the red key … oh, whoops … I guess I’ve just revealed that the red key will be last …” I say aloud.
Of course, the one with the red key in Maggie’s group is a strapping, athletic male. My grin grows bigger. Maggie doesn’t stand a chance.
I make a mental note to myself to take a look at the video footage I’ve been continuously taking since my guests arrived. I want to put names to all the faces. It may prove useful.
I look around me. The girl is silently watching me from outside the reach of the cameras. She better watch her step with me, I think. Nobody even knows she’s alive.
Chapter 3: The Mind Master
I am close to giddy as I prepare for the first game. My guests may have doubts about me, but I couldn’t care less. I’m too excited about Maggie’s impending doom to care about what the others think at this exact moment. I figure there will be plenty of time to rehabilitate myself in their eyes in the future.
As far as Maggie goes, I manage to confirm what I hoped for. She’s being reared by her uncle and aunt — two people who got a trust fund to raise her after her own parents died. They have no power themselves. They may not even be elites themselves. That might have made me relate more to them under most circumstances, but I find I despise Maggie so much that it doesn’t. If these two are fool enough to care about this girl then they deserve any and all pain I intend to inflict on them. As far as her dead parents go, that really kind of makes me laugh. A lot of good their elite status did them; they’re dead anyway. And soon their daughter will be, too.
I also manage to tell Team 3 what my plans are for the scenario outside of the prying eyes of the contestants. If Team 3 has a problem with killing off Maggie, they are excellent actors, for they don’t even flinch when I tell them. I picked them well, I congratulate myself.
Perhaps deep down they’re wondering about the fair play aspects, or lack thereof, of my games. Fair play — what’s that? I’m allowing these kids to think there could be a positive outcome for them. Actually, I’m not one hundred percent sure there won’t be. Yeah, I know I said there definitely wouldn’t be … and there won’t be, not one that they’d be satisfied with. But honestly, I haven’t decided exactly what I will do to them — exactly how bad it will be … yet. Just like I haven’t decided what I will do with the girl long term. So really, it’s not the outcome I’m really lying about it’s who has the power to make the decision about the outcome that I’m lying about. I’m allowing these people to believe they have more control over what will happen to them than they actually do. It thrills me to think what they will do when they realize that they don’t have the power. I’m sure some of them will try to ingratiate themselves with me — a lot of good that will do. Still, it will be amusing to see them turn on each other to curry favor with me.
“It’s only fair that I give you a head start.” I announce.
I love these moments when I can say what I’m actually thinking, but no one catches on because what I’m saying can be interpreted in more than one way. In this case, they believe this is a harmless game. In reality, it’s far from harmless.
“You’ve decided on your black key bearers?” I begin with amusement.
The crestfallen look on Maggie’s face is priceless. I wonder if she knows I’m coming after her. And these days once I come after you, there’s no escape.
The two boys with the black keys are anxious to get started on my game. They are wanting to pit themselves against each other as well as my team of trained assassins known as Team 3. Of course, they don’t know they’re trained assassins, and I find this to be rather amusing. I could just wipe them all out now without any difficulty as they play around with their little keys. Don’t they realize what danger they’re in? How vulnerable they’ve made their position by putting their trust in me? How is it they trust me so completely — obviously without cause because I am, in fact, their enemy? Is it arrogance on their part? Would it be wrong for me to think I am such a skilled manipulator that I have so easily gained their trust without really trying? I don’t want to risk becoming the fools these losers obviously are by getting cocky now. So, I’ll shelve that thought and think on it when I have the time and am alone.
“Black keys stay here. The rest of you will be escorted to your waiting areas. Whoever the second players are will join player one once they’re freed. People must be freed in order. If you discover a player before their time, you’ll have to come back for them later after you obtain the key able to free them. Of course, you will not know which key that will be. Once you get all six members of your team, you’ll return here. The first full team to arrive back will be rewarded. You will use the red key to unlock your prize.”
I look with satisfaction as Maggie raises a shaky hand into the air.
“Yes?” I ask her in a chiding way.
“What does a team do if they haven’t assembled all of their members when the winning team checks in?” she asks.
My first thought is wondering if she’d have bothered to ask this question if she still had the black key. No matter — it makes no difference, I suppose. She cares now.
“Well, the defeated team should return here.” I tell her.
I try to convey a sense of finality to my tone, but Maggie, perhaps not surprisingly, doesn’t catch on … or more impudently doesn’t care.
“And what about those not recovered? What exactly happens to them?” she persists with a squeaky voice.
“What? You’ve already given up? Have a little confidence in your team!” I mock her.
She is finally shamed into silence before she is able to spook the others. Good, I think as the others laugh at her. Score one for me. It won’t be the only victory I will have over Maggie, I determine.
“Now if there aren’t any other questions I suggest we begin before we lose the sun completely.”
Everyone seems to agree with me. And so it begins … just as I planned.
One of the two boys with the black keys is that defiant one Sebastian. I think maybe I was wrong to think that both the black keys were buying into my façade. I’m pretty sure that this Sebastian isn’t. Once again, I have to wonder why he is going through the motions of participating at all. It bothers me. But in the end, it doesn’t matter. He’s not on Maggie’s team; he can’t save her.
Most of my contestants are in pretty good spirits as they file off. It’s still just a game to them. I have other workers — lots of them — actors who look like normal people. You know, non-elite people — the ones who serve the elite. They remind me of my aunt. Of course, ironically, she’s an elite. But these people aren’t elite. I didn’t bother to ask these actors how they felt about these contestants. In my mind, I like to imagine that they resent them as much as I do. They really should, but you never know.
Still, either way, I felt it was necessary at this stage to have “normal” people interact with my guests. I’m holding back on the contestants seeing Team 3. I don’t want to panic them … yet. The ones I chose to be on my regular security team are formidable enough. Still, I’ll have to keep an eye on my actors to make sure there’s no empathy developing. In my experience with actors in the past, I never saw that problem develop. Still, the stakes are higher now. And you can only push some people so far before they start thinking thoughts. But then, thoughts are one thing and action is another. Team 3 is around for more than just dealing with my guests. Intimidation is a useful tool to be used on my workers as well. It not only makes them afraid to take action it also soothes their guilty consciences when they do the wrong thing or at least fail to do the right thing. After all, their lives could be at stake!
But what is right or wrong in a situation like this? With so much wrong in the world, is it right to let people such as the elite get away with it? Oh, look at me. As if I care about things like right and wrong. You’d think I was that tedious Aronade. No, I’m only invested in what’s best for me. Still, I have to try to anticipate what the people around me might do if given the chance. Since I don’t think like say Aronade, the best I can do is try to pick her out of a crowd and deal with her accordingly.
I have my actors escort most of my contestants into their places. Then, the actors radio me to tell me it’s all set. I then tell the two black key bearers they can go. I do that whole cheesy “Ready, Set, Go!” thing just so it’s fair.
And they’re off!
I’m beginning to think I overestimated Sebastian Whitaker. He seems to be into my game after all. And I find I am a bit disappointed once I realize this. After all, I do enjoy a challenge. Then again, I hate to lose. I remember when the Instructor lost. That was a bad day. I decide it’s better to be a little bored than to risk losing.
“What now?”
I cringe. Team 3 sneaked up on me. At first I am angered by this; but then, I figure I wanted the best, and that’s what I got. It wouldn’t do for them to make as much noise as elephants stomping through the jungle.
“Team 1 is going to win this one.” I tell them.
As much as it bugs me to have Sebastian win, I have two targets on Team 2. The red key in Team 2, Maggie Dalton, isn’t going to make it. Then, there is Todd, the solitary confinement guy. It occurred to me that taking Todd out right away might not be as fun for me as another idea I later had — set him up and then destroy him. I smirk. That way no one will care when he dies. He originally had the green key, and was, therefore, supposed to be team member four. But then I thought of something brilliant — switching the fourth and fifth locks. That would make solitary confinement guy team member five. Next, one of my servants is going to steal his key, so he’ll be blamed for Maggie’s demise when he can’t find his key. But his undoing is just icing on the cake, though. I’ve pretty much lost interest in him.
“And how do we take out the red key?”
“Hmm … there are a few options. I’m going to go with the dam that’s right next to the pit that she’s in. Blow up the dam and flood the place.”
The men nod. I am pleased that I don’t have to worry about empathy from this quarter. Now I just have to make sure my footage is as good as my ideas are.
I’m looking forward to my games — looking forward to having the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. It is, after all, a multidimensional game. I have a lot of surprises in store for my contestants and for my viewers.
“And where do you think you’re going?” I ask her as she wanders dangerously close to her boundary.
She freezes midstride. Then, she turns and looks at me.
“Did you forget, or did you think I was joking? You will die if you cross the line.”
“But why?” she asks me.
“That’s none of your concern. Just know that it’s true, and don’t do it.” I reprimand her. “Oh, and I’ve been watching you. I’ve seen you trying to get eye contact with the staff. I’m assuming you’re trying to reach out to them. I want that to stop. Hear me?”
She nods sadly and then turns back. Hopefully, this will be the last time I have to remind her. I can’t have her wandering out into the field where all the video cameras are. No one can know she’s still alive.
Chapter 4: Sebastian
I take off running when I’m told to. It’s easier than I thought it would be to take orders from the so-called Mind Master. I was prepared to face him down when I first got here — refuse to participate come what may. I didn’t buy into his half-assed explanation for why his men had pulled a gun on me. The two people I arrived with — I’m not sure what they believe. But the others — they are a bunch of sheeple apparently. They buy into everything he tells them no matter how transparent it is. Clearly the guy believes himself to be of superior intelligence, but how can you really glory in the accomplishment of outwitting the witless? What’s that saying — like taking candy from a baby? Not that I’m looking to match wits with this freak. I only want out of here in one piece. Who knows what the guy has planned? I just know that it’s something, and that something isn’t good. I do have one other objective — which is why I’m still putting up with this game at all. When I leave, I don’t intend to leave alone.
But for now I have to focus. I have to win this round and get my team back intact. And I’m not just doing it for some silly reward either. I know this is serious, and I’m taking it seriously. I saw the look in the eye of the guy who pulled his gun on me, and he meant business. And that’s why I volunteered to be the black key. I’m not sure anyone else gets that this isn’t just a game. I’m willing to play this straight — as the matter of life or death it really is. I also can’t afford to be eliminated now; I can’t be.
I don’t know when Team 3 will be unleashed. I also am not sure where to start looking for the second member of my team. I had been hoping to have some sort of clue. Instead, I’m just going to have to stumble upon a person and hope it’s the right one. I could end up finding all the others before I find team member two. Some game. There’s no skill involved aside from running. And running where? Who knows? The lack of any kind of required skill has me worried. Supposedly we’re doing this game to entertain an audience. Yet, how could just watching us run around be entertaining? So, if this game itself isn’t the entertainment, then what is the entertainment? What is going to happen that would keep an audience glued to their screens?
I try to keep my pace evened out. Fortunately, I run cross country to train for basketball season, so I am in pretty good shape. Though once I find team member two, I expect that my pace will have to be slowed down considerably. That’s if I can find the person in time. There are so many unanswered questions. If I run into Team 3, how will they stop me from continuing? Is it like a game of tag where I’m done if they touch me, paintball where they fire at me from afar, or are they actually going to physically harm me to stop me?
I really didn’t think to ask these questions before — I was too filled with adrenaline to think straight. And yet, I have to wonder if I would have asked even if I had thought to ask.
The fact is I had observed the interaction between the so-called Mind Master and Maggie, and I found the interchange to be eerie. At first, I thought he was just playacting at being so enraged at her to dissuade the rest of us from asking questions. Maybe the guy is out of his depth with this whole reality show and didn’t want to have to own that. But no, there’s something more to his affect than that. I would say that Maggie is in some danger from him — which means we could all be in danger from him. After all, Maggie is annoying, but she doesn’t seem particularly annoying. I find most people annoying, and she’s no worse than most. So, why single her out? But then I get to thinking about that one guy — the one who was put into solitary confinement before I arrived. That occurrence would suggest to me that the “Mind Master” has a tendency for holding grudges against a series of people. And if the solitary confinement guy’s offense is anything like Maggie’s, then it seems that it doesn’t take much to set him off. So, will he revisit his anger toward the solitary confinement guy? Then again, maybe I’m wrong, and the solitary confinement guy’s punishment was just for show. Somehow I don’t think so.
Of course, then I have to think about myself. It’s very possible I’m already on his hit list. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t regret confronting him, but I have to be prepared for when he comes after me — because at this point I think it’s inevitable that he will.
I slow down briefly in order to catch my breath and get my bearings. How far out were my team members taken? I guess that would depend on whether they were transported part of the way in some sort of vehicle. This thought gets me thinking about tracks — my team members’ tracks and my own. I guess with all of this running I’ve made myself more of a target for Team 3. Then again, I don’t regret it completely as I needed to put some distance between me and Team 3. Still, the question is am I getting anywhere?
Next, I wonder if there is, in fact, a visible trace of my teammates if I bother to look for it. I start with the assumption that my teammates were at least partially transported in a vehicle. There is no sign of any structure they could be being housed in, and I’m simply too far out for them to have made it this far on foot in the time that has elapsed. Most of them didn’t appear to be in the best shape or at least not in as good a shape as I am. Unless I missed something … Maybe there’s more to this game than I thought. I cast my eyes around me. I had assumed the hiding places would be in plain sight. But what if they aren’t? I start to scan the ground. I’m looking for any tracks — any sign that anyone has come this way. I see nothing. I look back toward where I had come from. Should I go back that way? To me that means heading straight into Team 3. But what if my team members are back that way? Still, I’m the one being hunted. It will do my team members no good if I’m captured. No, my first priority is to stay evasive. So, I decide I will work my way backward indirectly.
That’s when I hear the sound of running water, and something clicks in my mind. If it’s a river, I can use it to make my way back toward where I started without leaving tracks. Then hopefully, they won’t be able to tell which way I go next. Then again, what’s to stop them from lying in wait at the first location? I hope this game isn’t just a setup. I hope they aren’t just playing us for fools. I’d like to think there is a way to win … but perhaps there isn’t. If there isn’t, I just hope I’ll have the time to plan my own game. In the meantime, I’m going to retrace my steps. And I’m going to zigzag out of the river, which will hopefully throw them off. If they have already staked out the first location, I’ll have to think of a way to lure them away. Otherwise, I’m screwed.
Fortunately, I like the look of the river when I reach it. It looks shallow enough that it won’t require swimming, and yet I won’t leave visible tracks. And if Team 3 has dogs, it will help throw them off my trail, too. There are also trees lining the river, which means I will be harder to spot from the trail I had been on before.
Well, I’d better get going. Having to navigate the river is bound to take me longer than running on the trail had. I enter the river, and I make my way along. I stay aware of my surroundings as I progress. I wonder if I’d be able to defeat those men if I do come upon them. I’m not confident that I’m not outmatched. What if they are professionally trained?
I scan the shoreline. I try to spot a good spot to climb back onshore. My team members are unlikely to be underwater, after all.
I notice as I go that the bank appears to be getting steeper. I also notice that the water appears to be getting deeper — deeper and slower.
“What could account for that?” I wonder.
Suddenly, I am distracted from my thoughts by the sound of a voice. It sounds like a woman’s voice. I freeze. Can this woman somehow see me? Then, it occurs to me that she might just be crying out in order to allow someone to find her. At first, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea. After all, Team 3 isn’t looking for her; they are looking for me and that other guy. But then it occurs to me that her yelling might cue Team 3 in on her location, and that would increase the odds of them coming to lie in wait for me. I’ve got to get her to stop right away before she draws the attention of Team 3 — if she hasn’t already.
I wade across the river and head toward the opposing bank. It’s the bank on the other side of the river from the trail I had been on before. I realize I wouldn’t have found the girl’s location if I hadn’t gone into the river. I hadn’t heard the crying girl when I had been on the trail. Maybe she hadn’t been crying before, or perhaps that cluster of trees along the bank muffled the sound of her cries. Either way, this girl wouldn’t have been easy to find. It makes me worry that the others will be hard for me to find, too. I also suspect she’s probably number five or six, and I passed the others without realizing it. And that’s assuming they are in a straight line. Well, there’s only one way I can know for sure where I stand. Then again, I don’t think I’ll be able to know anyone’s number but number two and number six — two because my key will work on the lock; six because that person will have the red key. I don’t think anyone — other than the “Mind Master” — knows the order of the rest.
I can still hear the girl’s cries as I proceed. The thought occurs to me that it would be quite the setup if it were just a tape recording set to lure me into a trap. I don’t see a sign of any person, and the calling is rather persistent. Shouldn’t the person be getting tired by now?
Then suddenly, the voice stops, and I freeze again. I don’t move, and there is no sound. It’s almost as if we are in a standoff.
“Hello?” a voice suddenly calls out.
I look around me. It sounds so close, yet where is it coming from?
Then, I happen to look toward the ground. And there I see it — underneath some greenery — a series of bars forming a grate. No wonder I didn’t see the others before! They were all placed in cells underground. I think about how much of a fool I must seem. And then I remember that this is supposed to be a reality TV show, which means I am probably being watched right now. And the “Mind Master” knows where I am, and it’s up to his discretion whether he tells Team 3 where to find me. I realize how hard it’s going to be to escape from this freak — not because he’s such a genius but because he’s had so much time to stack the deck in his favor.
I stand over the grate and notice the padlock attached to it. I am about to try my key in the lock when the girl underneath me speaks to me.
“You got here fast!” she tells me.
“Come again?”
“Where are the others?”
“Others?”
“The other four …”
I think for a moment. She thinks I must have already freed the other four, which means she’s number six — the red key. I was afraid of this possibility.
I back away from the lock and straighten up my stance.
“Hey! What are you doing?” she demands.
That voice! I squint into the semidarkness in order to get a better look. Just as I thought, it’s Maggie! She’s stuck in a hole with a grate over it, and I can tell she’s panic-stricken about the whole thing. Why wouldn’t she be? But I know I can’t do anything for her. Not only is she not the second team member, she isn’t even on my team.
“What are you waiting for?” she pleads.
“I’m sorry. But I’m not on your team.”
This whole conversation is making me feel like an idiot. Who would have thought I’d be reduced to talking about teams and keys and peering into hidey-holes. What is this a kiddie variety show?
No, this girl is truly terrified. And I find I have some compassion for her as a result.
“Listen, I’d help you if I could. I really would …”
“Then try the key!” she begs me.
I find this rather tedious as I’m almost completely sure it won’t work. I reach down and try the key. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t turn.
“Can you pick the lock or something?”
I look at her skeptically. Who does she think I am? What average person knows how to pick a lock? And yet, she appears to be waiting for me to respond.
“That’s beyond me.” I say.
“I don’t get it.” she accuses. “What are you even doing here? Did you go the wrong way?”
Her tone unnerves me. The fact that I got lost and overshot my goal is a sore spot for me. But then, I get to thinking. She has a point. I was sent off in this direction, and now I am face to face with a member of the opposing team. Did they send me in the wrong direction?
“I don’t really know what’s going on.” I admit. “I guess they must have sent us the wrong way.”
I feel like an idiot for having to admit that. For all I know, my opponent has already figured this out and has started to free his own people. Whereas for me, I had to get help from the sixth member of the opposing team to figure it out. I’m sure my team will be grateful I chose to take the lead position in this game! As for Maggie, she seems relieved. I guess my gross incompetence has led her to believe that this situation isn’t that serious after all.
“Yeah, well. Try not to scream so much.” I advise. “You attracted me, but you could have just as easily attracted Team 3.”
“Yeah, okay.” she returns.
Yeah, she is obviously not taking this seriously anymore. At least, I don’t have to leave a weeping girl behind. Better a scoffing girl than a weeping girl. And still, I can’t say that I caught her feeling of relief. I take a moment to see if I can conclude it is all harmless, but I can’t convince myself that it is.
Meanwhile, I decide that, even though it may cost me a win, I will tell the other team captain where Maggie is should I happen to run into him.
As to where to go now, at first I consider continuing to wade up the river. But then, I notice that the water is getting much deeper. And then I spot a dam farther ahead of me. So, I cross over toward the bank and the road I had been traveling on before. I will just have to risk running into Team 3. I’d be wasting too much time if I continue to put all my efforts into trying to avoid them.
Now that I know what to look for, it doesn’t take me long to find another contestant — once again in another underground cell.
“Oh, great!” I think. “Another member of Team 2!”
I guess I should explain the situation to this person, too. It can’t be easy to be stuck in that hole. What surprises me is that I recognize this girl as the one I flew in with when I arrived. She’s on my team! Wait a minute, how can this be?
I shift my eyes to the side and try to think.
“Hey! What are you doing … Sebastian, is it?”
The use of my name draws my attention back to her.
“Yeah.”
I reach down and begin to try the key in the lock. I’m really not convinced that it will work. I’m still assuming I had bypassed the second team member much earlier on and will have to retrace my steps. But instead of saying all of that to this girl, I decide to just show her instead.
Only, the lock opens!
“Good.” she states with relief. “Now, if you could help me out of here.”
“Yeah.” I repeat like a fool. “Of course.”
“It’s a good thing we chose you to be person one.” she states as I lift her out. “I think I’d have had trouble climbing out of here on my own. Hey! Is no one else with you? It was your key you used?”
I cast a look behind me where she’s looking, even though I know that no one’s there. I am just so distracted. Something’s really bothering me, but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is.
“We’ve got some catching up to do.” she suggests.
I can hear a trace of pity in her voice. She apparently is starting to think I’m an idiot.
“Wait a minute.” I say aloud.
“We don’t have time to wait.” she snaps back.
I am tempted to just go look for team member three. I can feel the pressure mounting to just continue to play the game — his game. But then a larger part of me wants to figure out what he’s really up to. And I’m starting to resent the added element of this girl’s participation. She’s obviously coming from a different place than I am. While I felt relief that the key worked, she was disappointed to be team member two rather than say five. And she also doesn’t know about the mix-up that has probably set Team 2 back as well —about Maggie … Maggie!
My mind clears. That’s what’s wrong! I had … Maggie and I had both thought I had been sent into Team 2’s territory, and that’s why she was in the same zone as me. But this girl, whose name I can’t recall, her presence suggests that I am in the right territory. And I know I haven’t crossed the boundary yet; there is a large blue line separating the two territories. I couldn’t have crossed it between the time I left Maggie and the time I found this girl; I was back on the road between there and here. So, Maggie is in an isolated place in the middle of nowhere and in the wrong section. Chances are that Team 2 isn’t going to find her. A chill goes up my spine. This is intentional. I look at the girl, who is still pestering me.
“What is your name?” I ask her.
I know that when she had used my name it had gotten my attention. She does appear to be taken aback by my question. It also may be the sudden confidence of my tone that is throwing her off.
“Gina.” she tells me.
“Gina, one of their people is trapped in our territory.”
“What?”
“I found her before I found you. She’s the last one of theirs. You know, the one our host seemed to hate so much.”
“Well … what does that mean?” she questions.
“Well, I suggest we find our own people. Then, we can find a way to let them know where to find her. Then, maybe we can all get out of this.”
Gina is deep in thought. Then suddenly, she nods.
“I hope Bruce is next.”
“Bruce?”
“The guy who was with us in the helicopter … my boyfriend.”
“Yeah … well, we’d better get going.”
She agrees with me. First things first — save the people who are my responsibility then see to Maggie.
Now that we’re on the same page, having Gina around seems like an asset. The only problem is that she balks when I mention going back into the river. She does have some good points: that no one would actually be in the river, and that I’ve already been in the river on the other side of the dam. Also, while there I had only found one person, and that person wasn’t even a member of our team. She concludes by conceding that if we can’t find the other team members elsewhere we can try that.
But personally I think she just doesn’t want to go into the river. I also think we’re at higher risk of running into Team 3 on the road. Still, all that matters is where our team members are. And if they are on this side of the river, it will do us no good crossing to the other side.
Speaking of Team 3, I’ve seen no sign of them. That is starting to bother me. It makes me worry that they’re not even bothering to look for us — that maybe they have, in fact, found one of our team members and are just lying in wait for us. And if that’s the case, then isn’t the game essentially over? I’ve tried to think of a way to lure them away from future spots, but what if they don’t fall for it? If they refuse to leave our stranded team members’ locations then we’re basically screwed.
I can’t help but think this is a weakness in the game — if you actually want it to be a sporting competition rather than just a setup or a mind game. It’s so easy for him to win without really trying. Once again, I have the bad feeling that there is no way for us to win.
“I think I see something!” Gina declares.
There does appear to be something metallic glinting in the sun. Maybe it’s another grate. If it is, it’s once again underground.
“Bruce! I was hoping it was you!” Gina turns toward me. “He picked the key right after mine. We must have been placed in order after all!”
Gina reaches into her pocket and pulls out her blue key. She goes right for the lock. Then suddenly, her face falls.
“What?!” she stammers.
The key doesn’t work.
“Try yours.” she directs me with desperation in her voice.
I do as she requests, even though I’m highly doubtful it will work. It doesn’t.
Gina appears to be on the verge of tears.
“We knew this could happen.” I remind her.
She nods sullenly. It is clear she doesn’t want to leave Bruce. Perhaps she senses like me that we are in some sort of danger. I wasn’t able to tell Bruce and Gina the particulars about the man with the gun, but I got the impression they knew something was seriously wrong.
Now I decide it would be better if Gina remained with Bruce while I go look for team member three. I figure she won’t be very helpful to me distracted like she is.
“Why don’t you stay here?” I suggest to her. “I’ll go look for number three.”
She seems more hesitant than I expected. Perhaps she doesn’t trust that I can handle this on my own. That’s rich. Her contribution thus far certainly hasn’t been essential. Once I figured out that the contestants were underground, things went a lot quicker. Certainly, Maggie being placed in our zone couldn’t have been anticipated. And obviously the group members weren’t placed in a linear pattern. So, how could I have guessed that this guy wasn’t number three? Heck, she was with me when I found him. If I’m incompetent at this convoluted game, then so is she. The fact is nothing much is in our control. And maybe that’s the problem. Yet, like some annoying backseat driver, she would rather have a say in what I do rather than not. Even though, truth be told, we’re both lost.
“Either way, I’m taking off.” I inform her. “Give me your key. Maybe if I’m fortunate I’ll stumble upon number three like I did you.”
“Hold up!” she surprisingly says while standing. “It might be quicker if we both look separately.”
“But then there’s only one key.” I remind her.
She looks down and considers.
“Then, we’ll look together.” she insists. “Two sets of eyes are bound to be better than one.”
She really doesn’t trust me, I think. I can’t help but find that annoying.
“Suit yourself.” I return gruffly.
Gina casts one last look back to where her boyfriend is imprisoned, and then we’re off.
The terrain as we progress is getting more uneven. It’s also starting to get dark. I have to wonder who’s watching us slog through this stupid course. Once again, I wonder what the possible entertainment value could be.
This is taking too long, and I can feel my frustration level grow. I can only imagine how the trapped team members must be feeling — especially Maggie.
Gina and I don’t have much to say to each other at this point. But at least her being here means she can’t blame me for how unproductive the search has been so far. Speaking of unproductive searches, where is Team 3? How can there not be any sign of them still?
“Look!” Gina declares.
She is looking at some bushes. There does appear to be a disturbance in the foliage there — a couple of broken branches and such. Perhaps one of the team members intentionally broke the branches, so that we could find him/her easier. We run over to the bushes, and there’s another underground holding cell there. Some kid I don’t really remember is looking up at us. Of course, he comments on how long it took us. Gina and I look at each other. Apparently, she doesn’t like the criticism any more than I do. Gina then sets to try her key out on the lock. I can see her bite her lip as she does. Neither one of us could probably take another setback at this point.
The key turns. Gina sighs in relief.
“Let’s go back to Bruce!” she declares.
I nod. Still, even with this success, I can’t help but feel this is taking too long.
Gina remembers where to go to get to Bruce. Maybe this was one of the reasons she felt compelled to come with me. There is no way I could have remembered the route back as well as she does. I simply have way too much on my mind for that. And I’m hardly as motivated as she is to free Bruce. And there is a lot to be gained from being freed, I think. Once Bruce is freed it means he’s still in the game. Part of me wants to believe that if you get kicked out of the game then you’ll be sent home. But a bigger part of me thinks that it’s not that simple. After all, that one guy was put in solitary confinement for pissing off the “Mind Master.” He wasn’t just sent home.
And then there’s Maggie. The more time that passes, the worse I feel about that situation — the more convinced I am that she was set up by the “Mind Master” because he clearly hates her. To my way of thinking, he rigged it for her to go from first to last position on her team. And more than likely, the fact she’s been stranded in the wrong zone is no coincidence. He wants her eliminated — the question is what will elimination mean for her? Solitary confinement for the duration of the game — however long that is? I am probably one of three contestants who have a really dim view of this game at this point — the others being Maggie and the solitary confinement guy. I just can’t get over the coercion aspects of this whole situation. It’s clear that we’re prisoners here, and it still feels that whatever plans the “Mind Master” has for us aren’t good.
“Shoot.” I mutter.
I have a cramp in my side. All this running around in the heat is starting to get to me. But I’ll never live it down if I slow down our team at this point. Plus, I don’t really think we can afford to slow down. I got to thinking too about the guy I switched places with — a rather weak-looking guy. He’s stuck waiting until the end to be freed, and, therefore, he’s at the most risk of being eliminated. I figure I owe it to him to do as much as possible to avoid having that happen.
“Bruce!” Gina comes upon his cell. “We’re back!”
Gina ushers team member three toward Bruce’s cell. There’s a fifty-fifty chance number three has the key to Bruce’s freedom. I know who number six is, and it isn’t Bruce. So, Bruce must be four or five. Thankfully, he turns out to be number four. Like I said, I’m not sure Gina could have taken another disappointment. Gina hugs him fiercely once we manage to extradite him from the pit.
I am worn out, and still I have to keep going. We have two more people to rescue — three if you count Maggie. I think I remember that there’s another girl on our team. That would make her number five. And then that thin boy is number six. The question is where are they? Are they even in our zone, or were they placed in the opposing team’s zone like Maggie was?
We’ve already covered a lot of ground, and it’s getting pretty dark now. The fact is the “Mind Master” didn’t apparently consider that his game would take this long as he didn’t provide us with any flashlights. Not that we would necessarily want to use a flashlight with Team 3 lurking about. Once again, speaking of Team 3, where are they?
I find out the name of team member number three. It’s Hans. He introduces himself to the rest of us. Apparently, he is an outgoing guy since he found out the names of the other two members of our team at the buffet: Tracy and Steve. He even knows the names of the members of Team 2: Kevin, Felix, Tiffany, Gwen, Maggie, and the solitary confinement guy is named Todd. He, of course, doesn’t know the order of the other team’s group members other than Kevin is first and Maggie is last. He seems pretty pleased with himself for finding out this information — as though it’s going to help him win a prize. But still, I’ll admit, it could prove useful somehow.
“Well, we’d better get going …” I prod.
“It’s getting awfully dark.” Gina points out. She sounds reticent.
I look at her in disbelief. Now that Bruce is free, the others aren’t much of a priority? And yet it’s true; without a light source what can be done? I find I’m so full of adrenaline at this point that I don’t want to stop, and yet it would be foolishness for me to go off on my own. Or, would it? I could take Bruce’s key and free the other two myself — assuming I’ll even be able to see them.
Then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a string of spotlights spring to life one by one. I have to shield my eyes with my hands they’re so bright.
“The game continues.” the Mind Master’s voice rings out from some sort of surround sound system.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I grumble.
I look around me at the others. I am surprised to see relief etched on their faces. I doubt it’s because they are afraid of the dark or because they really want to continue this ridiculous game for the rest of the night. No, I think they’re relieved because they think this confirms this really is just a game. And perhaps, they are even comforted that someone — even if it’s the so-called Mind Master — is in control.
“I guess we won’t have to find a place to crash for the night.” I continue to mutter to myself.
There are two positive things I can say about this turn of events. One is that I really was having a problem with giving up for the night. The other is that the spotlight means that we don’t have to carry around a light source, which would make our location easy to pinpoint. Still, who if anyone is tracking us? There is still no sign of Team 3. Part of me wonders if this isn’t all just a joke at our expense. But then, I keep thinking it would be a relief if it were just a joke. Whatever’s going on here, it’s no joke.
“Well, let’s get going!” Gina champions. “Maybe we can win this thing and still get some sleep tonight.”
I look at her doubtfully. I did see beds through the windows of one of the guest villas, and they did look comfortable.
“Yeah, let’s get going.” I finally manage.
I suddenly find that most of my enthusiasm has left me at this point. I feel like I’m being played. I’m still going to go through the motions and see this thing through. But unlike Gina, I don’t expect there to be a happy ending awaiting us tonight. And I’d rather not be taken by surprise when that rosy outcome doesn’t materialize.
The Mind Master Chronicles (Book 3): The Pretender
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The Mind Master emerges from the shadows in order to play a game. Only it’s not the game he sold to his contestants online. No, that was a simple reality TV show, a promotional tool for their futures. In reality, the Mind Master’s game is a battle of wits to the death.
Cover image made with a photo bought from Depositphotos. The author of the photo is @ HayDmitriy