Free The Assassin Game by Kirsty McKay Page B

Carl, who shakes his auburn head. “Give me strength. If the Killer’s worth his or her salt, I give these intakes a week, no more.” He gets up. “I’m around this evening if anyone wants to talk to me.” He winks. “Read your book, and remember to watch the board in the common room for news.”
    Suddenly, the room plunges into darkness.
    Several yells, and beside me, Emily screams.
    â€œNice one, Rick,” says Carl. “Did you not fill the generator up again?”
    â€œI did!”
    I hear Alex chuckle. “Seriously, Killer. Tasting blood already?”
    Silence. Someone has grabbed me on the arm; I think it’s Tesha. I hope it’s Tesha.
    Nothing happens.
    â€œOK, Rick.” Alex sighs. “It is the generator. Where did you put the flashlights?”
    A flashlight flicks on, but it’s not one of Alex’s. A huge figure is standing in the doorway, cloak billowing, flashlight pointed, and in its other hand, a dagger. The figure roars and slashes the air.
    â€œWhat the—?” Alex says.
    Someone barrels past me, heading for the door. There’s a scuffle, the flashlight dances on the wall, and then suddenly the generator is humming and the lights are back on.
    Rick is on the floor, panting. The figure is still there, standing above him, laughing at the assembled Guild. It flings the hood of the cloak back and screams, “Time to die!”
    It’s Vaughan. Time to die, indeed.
    â€œWho the hell are you?” Alex is as purple as a beet. I’ve never seen him look so rattled.
    â€œI’m Vaughan,” says Vaughan, smiling. He waves a hand. “Hello.”
    â€œYou’re not Guild!” says Rick, struggling to his feet. “Bloody hell, Alex, he’s not even Umfraville!”
    Alex moves toward Vaughan, and my stomach hits the floor. But he stops short, and I see something I’ve never seen before: Alex is scared.
    â€œOh, I am Umfraville, I assure you!” Vaughan says brightly. “I’m new; I admit it. Missed the first week of school—just got here today, in fact—but I’ll be in the classroom with you all on Monday, I promise.” He squints at everyone. “Well, with the clever ones anyway.”
    Alex, Rick, and Carl all kind of surge toward Vaughan, but he’s quick. He leaps back.
    â€œHow long have you been here?” Alex demands.
    â€œLong enough,” Vaughan says. “You’re playing a game. It’s secret. Someone’s a killer.” He tuts. “And you really shouldn’t be in this cave.” He shakes his head. “Breaking all the rules…”
    â€œYou tell anyone, and I’ll—”
    â€œOh, I don’t want to tell anyone!” Vaughan says. “All I want is to join in.”
    Alex barks out a laugh. Everyone in the room relaxes slightly. Some of the others begin to laugh too, except Rick, who looks like he’s going to explode, his cheeks red with boiled-up rage.
    â€œDude,” Alex says. “You’ve got balls, I’ll give you that. But do yourself a favor and walk out before we kick you out.”
    Vaughan looks hurt. “But why can’t I join in?”
    â€œBecause, you loser,” Rick spits at him, “you don’t just join the Guild. You get invited.”
    â€œOh, I know,” Vaughan sings, “Initiation, blah-blah, cowpats, whatever. But you’ll let me in, because I have something you want.”
    â€œRight,” Alex says. “I’m going to be nice for a couple seconds more, Vaughan, but then we’re really going to mess you up unless you get out of here. If you don’t want to be even more of an outcast than you already are, then I suggest you move it.”
    Vaughan frowns. “Hmm. Cate said you wouldn’t let me in, but I didn’t believe her.”
    Oh, just no. Thanks so much, friend.
    Everyone looks at me. Alex is shooting me daggers almost as real