Page 51 of The Most Dangerous Games

He looks around the room.

“And that line got crossed.”

Nobody speaks. Nobody wants to be the first one to say it out loud.

“Reg kept Hannah alive.” A nod to Reg. “Wyatt and Alek didn’t let her go.” A nod to them. “Jack got through sharks and still came back to help somebody else.” A nod to Jack.

He takes a breath.

“That’s what I’m seeing,” Jimmy says. “Even though we’re all competing, we’re on the same team. All of us. And even though Luca’s life was lost, other lives have been saved. Because of teamwork, and incredible courage, from everybody in this room.”

He pauses.

“And then I’m seeing . . . other stuff.”

He doesn’t say Tipton’s name. He doesn’t have to.

“Here’s what I can promise you,” Jimmy says. “I’m in these games now. I don’t get to stand outside and comment. Fine. But I’m not going to sit quiet if the rules keep changing in ways that get people killed.”

Silence. Then: “I see the games taking on a life of their own, like some runaway train. I don’t know who’s responsible. But I’m going to find out. I’m asking you to trust me again.”

“I trust you,” Wyatt calls out.

Then he speaks in a stronger voice. “I have your backs. Please have mine.”

Jimmy makes a small turn and is looking directly at Jack.

“Jack, you know this—”

The Host interrupts. The speakers crackle. The Host doesn’t raise his voice. He doesn’t need to.

“Mr. Donaldson,” The Host says, “you’re confusing this for one of your productions.”

Jimmy doesn’t look up. Doesn’t give him the satisfaction.

“It’s not,” Jimmy says. “Because when I do a production, I know who’s in charge.”

A ripple in the room. People glance at one another.

The Host’s voice sharpens a degree.

“I am.”

Jimmy nods, like he expected that answer.

“Then answer me,” Jimmy says. “Why were there sharks? Why were there spiders that can kill a healthy adult in hours? Why are people disappearing without explanation? That was not the framework we discussed.”

“You discussed,” The Host says, “and then you agreed. And now you’re here.”

“No one was supposed to have to swim through sharks,” Jimmy says, and now he’s shouting. “No one was supposed to deal with deadly spiders. That was never part of the deal.”

The Host continues, smooth as ever. “You have the same lifeline as everyone else. Red button. Press it. Walk away. We will escort you to safety. Nobody is keeping you here against your will. If this has gotten to be too much for you, push the button. That’s all it takes.”

The room holds its breath. Waiting.

Jimmy doesn’t flinch.

“You want to know what keeps me here?” Jimmy says.