Page 2 of Kortlek

All of their victims in the past have been men and women who have had sufficient evidence against heinous crimes against women and children, or they somehow revolved around them sexually assaulting anyone but were never sent to prison. Whether it was because of their connections to the judge, or because the jury found the evidence insufficient, the trio always did thorough research on the people.

The tricky part was always gathering them in one place, and that was always Cove’s job. Somehow, he managed to get all twenty-one of them to their secret location.

The game itself is pretty straightforward — all of them are put in one spot with a weapon of their choosing. There are big timers scattered all over the playground, and the playground changes each time. The prey has three hours to find the hunters and eliminate them. If they succeed, they live and are rewarded with a lot of money.

If they fail… well… rest in peace.

Thus far, no one has succeeded.

And the rules?

There are no rules.

It is bloody, it is gruesome, and it’s deathly.

And it’s exactly why I want to participate.

By the time I was sixteen, I’d gone on the highest roller coasters and did skydiving and bungee jumping. I’m an adrenaline junkie through and through, but those things no longer excite me. It’s dull, it’s boring, and I want something fresh.

Slowly, I take a sip of my sparkling water — because Arlo oh-so-kindly took my alcohol before I got the chance to take a proper taste of it. Because alcohol is where he draws the line, and not the fact that I kill people for a living.

With a deep breath, I turn all the cards to face us.

Blair’s card is a queen.

Cove’s card is a king.

Arlo’s card is an ace.

Somehow, the cards they picked describe them perfectly.

I immediately whine, knowing that the chance of them having that many prey again is slim to none. I’m just itching to find the location and go there myself and try it out, knowing damn well it would be futile. Mainly because my parents, Hudson and Noelle, have the front row seat at watching the game.

The entire playground is covered in many, many cameras, and from the comforts of their own home, my parents sip on their favorite whiskey and place bets on who’ll last the longest.

Thus far, Mom’s predictions were always correct, and Dad is always pissed when she wins.

“Hah,’’ Arlo chuckles, the diamond tooth gem on his canine sparkling in the dimmed light. “Looks like this time things are going to be very interesting.’’

“I don’t remember if we’ve ever had that many… playthings,’’ Blair all but squeals, her smile widening. Her eyes shine in pure excitement, and she’s barely able to contain herself.

“Okay, this definitely isn’t fair,’’ I whine again. “This is the perfect time to introduce me to your little world. Please?”

“I said no, Aria,’’ Arlo says, with a hint of warning in his tone, eyes narrowed at me.

“What if Mom and Dad say yes?”

Arlo snorts, as if I just told the world’s funniest joke. He gives me a knowing look, then takes a gulp of his whiskey, setting the half-empty glass back on the table. He sighs out, rolls his eyes, and shakes his head at me.

“It won’t happen. You may have Dad wrapped around your finger, but no amount of begging, sucking up, or giving him that pathetic puppy-dog look will actually convince him to let you do this. Why can’t you accept that we’re not letting you come for your own safety?”

“When have I ever needed your safety? When?”

Arlo rubs his temple, closing his eyes briefly. It takes him a moment to speak, likely trying to gather his thoughts and prevent himself from snapping at me, because, let’s be real, I’m annoying as fuck right now.

“The kinds of people we’re dealing with… it’s not like our usual missions, Aria,’’ he sighs, opening his eyes to look at me. “When we go on missions, you’re the sniper. From a very safe distance, you shoot unknowing and unsuspecting people. This is different. These people are given weapons, and they are not toys. They can, and they will get you killed.’’

“Just because I usually prefer to do it from afar doesn’t mean I’m useless when it comes to close-ranged combat.’’

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