“What I meant was we can’t let that happen again during the show. After that, if you still want me, well, I guess we’ll have to see what happens if you ever get over this ridiculous anger you have toward me and win the damn game.”
“What if I lose?” I ask, my anger softening.
He smiles. “Should you lose, I may have to quit to get to you faster.”
I’m at a loss for words and he knows it.
“Better?” he asks, standing.
I nod once and meet his gaze. He strokes the back of my head.
“Hogan, could you help me?” Lori, the producer, is waving at him.
“I’ll be back.”
He commands the attention of the room as he walks away. He really is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything about him excites me, angers me, frustrates me, and turns me on all at the same time. I wish I could get over this feeling I have in my stomach that says we would never work. I’ve never wanted anything more than I want him.
Patience is not my strong suit. Sitting here waiting for someone to fill me in on what Carter put in my drink and how Maria knew, is pissing me off. It was my water and my body. Someone needs to start talking to me before I blow a gasket.
Too late.
Jumping up, I rush to Herman and Lori, who are speaking to Hogan. “Why the fuck won’t anyone tell me anything? You’re still filming me and everything going on. Obviously you know something. You need to tell me right now before I pack my bags and walk out.”
“Calm down, Sam,” Herman says, attempting to touch my shoulder.
Pulling away, I shout, “Don’t ever tell a pissed off woman to calm down. Does blowing at a fire make it stop burning? I want answers and I want them now!”
Herman glances to Lori and she nods. Is she the one in charge around here? “From what we have been able to piece together from the tapes and what Carter has already admitted, he added a drug to your water bottle. He was somehow able to find out you are allergic to sulfa. We found powder residue in a bag in his pocket. I guess he thought it might make you sick enough to leave the game.”
My mouth falls open and my voice shakes when I speak. “Sulfa? In my drink? It wouldn’t have made me sick, it would have killed me. How did Maria know? Where is she? I need to speak to her.”
Lori pipes up. “Sam, you have every right to be upset and angry. This is news to us. While the police investigate, we just ask that you bear with us. I promise we aren’t taking any of this lightly. As soon as we know anything, we’ll tell you.”
A male officer approaches. “Ms. Wittaker, we need to ask you a few questions.”
We sit at the front of the room. Lori and Herman accompany us. When Hogan shows up with his camera, the officer orders him to shut it down.
Herman hands the cop a few pieces of paper and whispers something inaudible. The officer sighs and pushes the papers back to him. Herman nods at Hogan and the filming begins again.
“Can you tell me what your relationship is with Carter Walsh?”
“He hates me. He has from the start. He’s been very vocal in letting me know. I knew something was going on. I just didn’t expect this.”
“What do you mean, you knew something was going on?”
I relay the conversation I overheard between Courtney and Carter, about him wanting to call his dad to get info on me. Then I tell them about Carter stuffing something into Jack’s pocket. I gasp when I remember Jack telling me his wife was a pharmacist and I make sure I mention that DJ told me they had something planned for me. I explain that when I was given sulfa as an antibiotic for an infection as a child, my throat began to close. If I hadn’t already been in the hospital when it happened, I would have died.
The officer thanks me. Herman and Lori shoot each other worried looks. Hoping it's over, I ask if I can change my clothing. They agree, but first I have to be checked by the EMT.
A few minutes later, I’m cleared. On my way to the elevator, with the camera but not Hogan running behind me, I notice Courtney and DJ being pulled from the dining hall by the police. They may have picked the wrong team after all. Looks like they’ll be getting what’s coming to them without any help from me.
After changing, I enter the dining hall, where everyone is grouped at one table. There are four people noticeably absent: Carter, Courtney, DJ, and Maria.
Brenda greets me at the door. “Are you okay? We were so worried.”
I make my way to Sarge, Tex, and High-Rise, wondering why Maria hasn’t returned.
“I’m fine but still a bit confused.”
“We’re all shocked. Do you have any idea why Courtney, DJ, and Maria aren’t here?” Tex asks.
“I don’t know for sure about Courtney and DJ, but I’m guessing they may have been in on it. I assume Maria is still being questioned by police.”
“I know you’ve had a difficult day, but the cop in me is dying for information. Can you tell us anything?” Sarge questions.
Shrugging, I say, “I can tell you what I’ve pieced together and what I’ve been told. I think Carter was paying Jack the bartender to either get him information on me or drugs. Carter found out I was allergic to sulfa and put some crushed pills in my water, hoping I’d drink it and get sick. I’m guessing he didn’t know it would have killed me within a matter of minutes.”
Brenda gasps and covers her mouth.
“That’s some serious shit.” Sarge crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.
“What did you see or hear?” I ask them, glancing from one person to the next.
“I heard Maria, I didn’t see her. I was trying to hear what Bryce was saying to Herman Matthews,” Tex adds.
“I saw Maria run in. She was flying when she smacked that bottle out your hands. It was so scary.” Brenda visibly shakes and wraps her arms around herself.
“Pretty much the same for me,” Sarge explains.
“And you?” I ask High-Rise. He’s been extremely quiet.
“I wish I could help. I was still in the bathroom when it all went down.”
Turning my head, I notice the staff has placed water bottles and soda on the table. “I’m going to get a drink. Anyone want anything?”
Brenda pops up. “I’ll get it for you honey. You just sit tight.”
“That’s okay. No offense, but I think I’ll get my own drinks from here on out.”
We sit in the dining room for the next few hours. They let us go for bathroom breaks as needed, but we’re not allowed to go back to our rooms. I’m better with their names after spending so much time with them. I find I actually like everyone for different reasons.
Ervin, no longer Sarge now that I’ve heard his name enough, tells us a few police stories. I can tell he’s amazing at his job. He must love it to risk his life for people who often care very little about his. George, or Tex as I’ve called him, has a saying for everything. The way he presents it with his deep southern drawl makes it even more amusing. Brenda explained how she got into doing at-home parties and tells us about raising her son as a single parent. High-Rise, because I can’t call him anything else, even though I know his name, has been very quiet. He answers questions but gives as little information as possible. Maria has still not returned to us. I’m dying to find out what she saw.
After lunch, we’re finally ushered back into the boardroom. The cameras are set up, and Hogan is working the one near the back of the room. It’s eerily quiet. Maria is nowhere in sight. We give Bryce our attention.
“First of all, on behalf on myself, the production team, and the crew, we’d like to apologize for the delay today and especially to Sam. We never expected something like this to happen. It’s one of the reasons we do such thorough background checks before anyone is allowed to participate. In a minute we’re going to start filming. I imagine you all have a lot of questions. We fully intend on answering them after we’ve had a chance to tell you what we know and where we’ll be going from here. Please remember this is a TV show. We’ve lost a l
ot of time, so we’re going to handle this as quickly and reverently as possible. Sound okay?”
The makeup team floats around to prep us for the cameras.
“Welcome back to The Fabulist. We promised things were not as they seemed around here, and boy, did the players deliver. The man in charge would like to address the events of the day.”
The screen spurs to life. He’s wearing a high-quality tailored suit, but once again, everything else is dark around him.
He sighs deeply. It’s a familiar sound, but I can’t figure out why. “To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. Lies and deception are one thing, but acting to physically harm or injure is another. We clearly stated any physical altercations would result in immediate dismissal from the game. The behavior of some of our players has me miffed. To be clear, they will not be returning. Carter Walsh has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for placing drugs in the water bottle of Samantha Wittaker. Whether or not his intention was to merely intoxicate Ms. Wittaker will be up to the police to decide. His accomplices, DJ Taylor and Courtney Davis, have also been removed from the game. They appear to be off their trolley as well. The bartender, Jack Kendall, is facing criminal charges for supplying Mr. Walsh with the medication. Now, will Maria Santos please return to the room.”
We all turn in our chairs as Maria enters and makes her way to the front of the room. I knew I liked her. I hope he’s about to reward her for stepping forward and preventing the crime.
“If you’ll search your memories,” The Fabulist continues, addressing us, “I warned you in the beginning not everything was as it seemed. Maria, please tell your fellow players a bit more about yourself.”
The screen goes dark and a spotlight shines on her. “My name is Maria Santos. I don’t own a restaurant in Arizona. I own an agency that specializes in undercover investigation. I work for The Fabulist. I have been a plant since day one, spying on and recording your conversations and reporting back to him.”
What? Maria?
Tex slams his hand on the table, not from anger but almost as if he had a feeling about her. I admit I had no clue. She tricked me. I guess there was a liar right next to me and I never knew. Maybe I’m not as good as I thought.
“My job was to play the game and I did. The only difference between me and you was that I would not be eliminated no matter how poorly I answered. I did, in fact, join an alliance of my own free will, because it was the place I felt had the best energy.”
She smiles at me, but I don’t smile back. I feel slightly betrayed by her but I’m also angry at myself for not knowing she was lying to me.
“During the break, I pretended to go back to my room, as I’ve done before, but instead I visited The Fabulist. When he says he’s watching you, he isn’t lying. He has the ability to watch and listen from every angle. Today, I was facing the monitors when Carter Walsh entered the boardroom. He checked the room carefully to make sure no one was present. This piqued my interest. The Fabulist and I observed him empty the contents of a small bag of powder into Ms. Wittaker’s drink. He sent me to get it before Sam returned to the room, while he notified the police. The producers’ intercoms were not on and he couldn’t reach them. I arrived just in time.”
Holy shit. She saved my life.
The screen flicks to life. “Maria will also no longer be continuing in the game. She has served me well, and I commend her for skills of observation. Please note there will be no challenge today. I’m relieved the day ended only with an arrest and that true character was revealed. We’ll be starting tomorrow morning at 4:00 A.M. If Ms. Wittaker wishes to exit the game, based on the events, I would completely understand, although with great displeasure.”
“Sam?” Bryce turns to me. The screen is still on and The Fabulist is waiting for me. Is this live? “Based on what has happened here today, we would understand if you wanted to leave. What would you like to do?”
All eyes are on me. I’d never even considered leaving an option. What the hell? “So you’re asking me if I want to quit? After four people are out of the game at once? Hell no! My odds of winning were good before. They just became even greater.”
Bryce smiles. “I believe she’s given us her answer.”
“Very well then. I shall see you tomorrow, even though you won’t see me. To Carter, Courtney, DJ, and Maria. Checkmate and goodbye.”
The screen goes dark and Bryce says his final words to the audience. When filming is over, he turns to us. “Maria, thank you for playing the game. Players, know that Maria cannot and will not reveal any information about his identity. She is under a more iron-clad oath than even we are. Maria, please take a moment to say goodbye. I’m certain Sam has something to say to you. As for tomorrow, dress for hot weather. Bring a change of clothes in case it’s needed. See you at four.”
Maria joins me. “No hard feelings, I hope?” she asks, extending her hand to me.
Gazing down at it, I can’t possibly shake it. Does she think a shake is enough after what she’s done? Rising from my seat and going around the table to her, I throw my arms around her. She saved my life. I think I can break my no-hugging rule for that.
AFTER WE SAID our goodbyes to Maria, I went straight to my room for the night. I slept through dinner and even Brenda didn’t wake me. I was exhausted, not only from not sleeping the night before, but also from the drama of the day’s events.
I wander downstairs with my bag of extra clothes, along with Brenda, at 3:55 A.M. I’m well rested even though it’s early. It appears everyone turned in early.
Bryce meets us at the boardroom doors, along with a camera crew. He’s wearing shorts, a big change from his usual suit. I’m glad I dressed appropriately. I don’t see Hogan and it makes me nervous. I hope Herman didn’t end up firing him after all. My heart aches at the thought of never seeing him again
“Good morning, and welcome to your next challenge. If you didn’t sleep well or feel tired, you’ll be happy to know there will be time for rest in just a few moments. Please follow me.”
We glance back and forth at each other curiously. I opted for shorts and a T-shirt, but I brought a sundress and jeans with me, just in case. Bryce leads us down the hall and out the front doors of the Highlight. It’s still dark, but the fresh air feels amazing against my skin. There’s a limo bus waiting for us. I’m instantly more awake than I was before.
Our bags are taken to another vehicle, and Bryce sits with us inside the bus. The idea of going somewhere has brightened everyone’s mood and made us more awake. I climb inside, hoping to see a certain cameraman, but I don’t. Maybe he was given the day off? I find it hard to believe a location shoot would be possible without Hogan’s technical skill. I pray he’s okay.
The drive isn’t long. It’s dark, so it’s hard to make out where we’re going. I see fences and what appear to be hangars. I hear airplanes overhead. Are we at an airport?
Within minutes we pull up to a red carpet in front of a private jet. I wish Carmen was here for this. She would have been bouncing joyfully and clapping her hands. There are lights set up alongside the carpet from the limo to the stairs of the jet. Cameras are set up along the path as well. No sign of Hogan. He’s hard to miss. I decide to get over it and stop thinking about him. I need to enjoy this moment and prepare for whatever the rest of the day brings.
We climb the steps of the plane. I’ve never been on a private plane before, so I have no idea what to expect. We are told we can sit wherever we like. Everyone takes seats near the windows to get the best view. After a brief announcement from the pilot, he tells us to enjoy our trip to Hawaii. We cheer in excitement. I’ve never been to Hawaii. I’m reminded once more how amazing this whole experience has been, even the bad parts. They serve us breakfast, compliments of Chef Nowar. I’ve never eaten so well on a plane.
Five hours later, we land. After receiving our lei, we get into another limo bus. It’s a beautiful day and I can smell fresh ocean air. I don’t believe I’ve ever experien
ced air so pure in all my life. It’s going to be difficult to return to New York after this.
We pull up to a hotel along the beach. I hope we get to stay.
“Your bags will be secured in the limo. Should you need anything from them, you may ask either me or our crew to retrieve them for you.” Bryce stretches his arms. “Welcome to Hawaii.”
We’re led to an outdoor replica of the boardroom, only the tables are made of wicker and women are dancing the hula as Hawaiian music plays with a darker beat behind it in typical Fabulist form. I hear the ocean so I know we’re close, but a large line of vines blocks our view. It’s as if they created an outdoor room. There are coconut cups for us with pineapple wedges and umbrella straws and a large screen in the left corner. “Life is a journey from start to end. Today will be no different. Our contestants woke up this morning not knowing what the day had in store. They should know we have not yet reached our destination.”
The screen flickers to life.
“Good morning and aloha. Take a moment to breathe the sweet smell of paradise. Today will be a challenge on a grand scale. Bryce, let’s show them the next step on their journey.”
The vines are pulled away to reveal a large boat on the edge of the water.
“You are going to be taking a small trip to the private Island of Niihau. This island has been dedicated to preserving the culture and history of the Hawaiian people. I ask you to treat the land and native people with the respect they deserve. After yesterday, I thought the next challenge should be fun. We’re going to play a game, and I don’t play anything unless it’s on a grand scale. Bryce, it’s time to begin.”
After an open-air boat ride, we arrive on the island. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and untouched. That is, until we walk a bit farther. There is a path made of large squares in different colors that wind and weave through the trees. Every so many spaces is a stop sign and a person sitting in a chair. I count five altogether from what I can see, but the path winds out of view. To my left are the largest dice I’ve ever seen. They are neon green and above my waist in height. We are all laughing as we take in the sights. Then I hear it. It’s music to my ears.
The Fabulist Page 20
