Page 19 of The Killing Game

“You’re so easy to rile up, Colt. Obviously, I know that, but it’s fun to bring you back to reality every once in a while. Yes, I’m happy. Now, what do we need to do to prep for this storm?”

Colton gawks at Sam for a few seconds, face blank, before doubling over. Laughter erupts from deep inside him and fills the room, shifting the atmosphere. I can feel Jason relax beside me. A muffled snicker escapes his lips before he’s laughing alongside Colton.

I shake my head at Sam, biting my bottom lip with my teeth as I stifle a laugh.

“That was good, Sam,” I whisper in approval.

Sam throws me a megawatt smile, hands placed proudly at her hips.

“Someone had to break the tension. Now,” she claps her hands together, “the storm.”

Colton attempts to collect himself, dragging his hands down his face.

“You’re on my shitlist, girl. The weekend is young,” he says.

Sam blows him a kiss and winks. “Bring it, big boy.”

Colton squares his shoulders and takes a breath before continuing.

“Okay. So, the cabin is pretty sturdy for a big storm. We’ve only had to replace a few windows from that one storm back in 2014 that destroyed the north side of town. The biggest thing to prep now is knowing where the flashlights are and making sure the generator is good to go.”

“We can raid your dad’s safe for a few weapons, too.” Jason says beside me.

Sam rolls her eyes, saying nothing.

“Normally, those are off limits, but might be necessary given the mask and the notes. Jason, you know where it is. That’s your job,” Colton says as he turns to Sam. “I know you don’t approve of guns, but we’re going to have one out to be safe. You do not need to use it, unless you feel comfortable.”

“Just because I don’t approve of gun violence, doesn’t mean I won’t blow a hole in a fucker trying to put a knife through my chest,” Sam says, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Now it’s my turn to gawk because that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard her say. Sam sticks her tongue out at me.

“Sam and I can get all the candles and flashlights. We should probably plug our phones in, too, in case we lose power and landline service,” I offer. “When is the storm supposed to hit?”

Above us, the lights flicker. We look up before the dimming sky lights up in a flash of white. Thunder cracks into the approaching darkness, sounds of crinkling metal and shaking glass reverberate throughout the cabin. The rumbling shakes everything it touches. Everyone startles. Sam gasps, grabbing her heart as if she’s having a heart attack. Both boys duck and cover their heads like they’re taking fire. I shrink into myself at the unexpected explosion.

“Fuck,” I whisper. We all watch each other, holding our breaths, waiting for another crack.

Stillness grows between us. My heart is hammering in my chest. Numbness floats over my skin as adrenaline rushes through my body.

The quietness is more deafening than the thunder itself.

After a solid minute waiting to see if Mother Nature will throw another temper tantrum, the light melody of pitter-patter against the roof replaces the silence. One by one, we all collect ourselves.

“Surprise,” Colton says, clearing his throat. “The storm’s here.”

ELEVEN

8:22 P.M.

Blackness blankets the cabin windows. The distorted sound of rain against the roof echoes into the space. Flashes of white sporadically break through the darkness. What would’ve been a beautiful sunset has been engulfed by the looming storm.

Colton stares out the kitchen window, frowning.

“It wasn’t predicted to hit until midnight,” he grumbles. “Get started here. I’m checking the generator now before the rain gets worse. It’ll only power the flood lights, HVAC, and appliances, but it’s better than nothing. There’s a multi-charger in the living room. If you need anything else, it’ll be in the office by the safe.”

“We probably shouldn’t split up. That’s like, rule number one of serial killer movies,” I say.

Colton rolls his eyes. “I’ll be back in less than five minutes.”