Page 30 of Wicked Games

“I don’t know. People are willing to do all sorts of crazy shit for money,” Evan said with a shrug.

A lightbulb seemed to go off in my head. I sat up straight. “It doesn’t really matter who it is in the end.”

“Well, of courseyoudon’t think it matters that we’re being held captive in some creepy old mansion,” Kiara said with another exaggerated eyeroll. “You criminals all have to stick together, right?”

I could feel a warm flush creeping over my chest and neck, but I kept my composure. “That’s not what I’m saying,” I replied. “I was just saying it doesn’t matter because they won’t get away with it for long. I mean, we all sneaked off campus last night, didn’t we?”

Understanding dawned on multiple faces around the table, but Tate, Jasmine, and Hudson continued to look confused.

“So what?” Tate asked.

“So the school will eventually realize that we’ve all disappeared. Actually, they probably already have.”

“How does that help us? It’s not like they know where we went.”

“Jesus, man, how slow are you?” Rhys said, upper lip curling. “Think about it. Twelve students from an elite boarding school have gone missing. The cops will see it as their number one priority.”

“Exactly. And I don’t know about you guys, but I got an Uber to the mansion,” I said. “That means anyone who’s looking for me can just check my Uber account, if that’s possible, and getmy last known drop-off address. Or maybe they can trace my phone’s GPS signal. I’m not sure. But you see my point, right?”

April nodded. “I got an Uber too. So once the school alerts the police about the missing students, they’ll eventually realize that all twelve of us went to 4 Sutherland Drive last night.”

“They’re probably already looking for us,” Maverick said. “Like Rhys just said, twelve Babylon students going missing is a big fucking deal. So it’s only a matter of time until they track us here and knock the door down.”

“Thank god,” Kiara said, inspecting a fingernail. “I can’t wait for this bullshit to be over.”

“I have a feeling it hasn’t even started yet,” Courteney murmured.

The screen on the wall suddenly lit up, revealing a crystal-clear image of the same masked person who drugged each of us the previous night. He was sitting in a dim room on an ornately carved chair that resembled a wooden throne.

“That’s him!” Jasmine said, pointing a shaky finger at the screen.

“No shit, genius,” Zach muttered.

“Hello, everyone.” The familiar robotic voice filled the room as the masked man tilted his head onscreen. “I hope you’re all enjoying your breakfast. Don’t worry—nothing on the table is laced, so if that’s been a concern for you up until now, feel free to dig in. You’ll need your energy for the next few days.”

He paused and lifted a hand onscreen, gesturing to the spread on the table. Tate tentatively leaned forward and grabbed the same croissant Rhys had knocked out of his hand earlier. “Fuck it,” he muttered. “I’m starving.”

He took a bite and chewed rapidly. Then he gagged and started clutching at his throat before letting out a loud guffaw. “It’s fine,” he said, voice garbled by the mouthful of food. “No poison.”

“Do you really think you’re funny?” Kiara said in a snide tone. “Because you’re actually a stupid, childish asshole, and this type of bullshit is exactly why no one invites you to anything unless you say you’ll bring—”

The masked man started talking again, interrupting Kiara’s rant. “You’re no doubt wondering who I am and why you’re here,” he said. “You can call me the Game Master. I have carefully selected each of you to participate in a series of challenges. Each challenge scenario has been designed in the form of a game. If you play well and manage to survive until the final round, you will be awarded with the ultimate prize—your freedom. However, if you die during one of the games, you’re out. For good.”

He paused again for dramatic effect, and a collective gasp resounded through the room.

“If wedie?” Jasmine shrieked, leaping to her feet. She looked around the table with a wild-eyed expression. “This is a fucking joke, right?”

“Of course it is. It has to be,” April said. Despite her firm words, her wide eyes and pale face made it clear she wasn’t sure.

“You may be tempted to assume this is some sort of prank,” the Game Master went on. “Let me assure you, for your own safety, that this is no joke. If you fail a challenge, youwilldie. I cannot be any clearer about that.”

Maverick stared at the screen, stony-faced. “Who the fuck are you?”

The Game Master paused again. Then he leaned forward, masked face ominously close to the camera. “Oh, and one more thing,” he said. “This is a pre-recorded message. I couldn’t address you live, because I’m actually in the room with you right now.”

Jasmine whirled around, eyes practically on stalks. “Where the fuck is he?” she screamed. “Come out, asshole!”

“I don’t think that’s what he meant,” I muttered, heart aching with fear.

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