Whodunnit? Murder On Mystery Mountain

8 The Game Begins

Sage sat on a hammock outside, reading a novel. She shivered as a gust of wind ripped through her and rustled the pages of her book. She had always loved to read, especially on nights like this, where the trees could be seen swaying in the distance. This job seemed just the sort of distraction she needed from life.

A sound rocketed her awake. Sticks could be heard snapping and leaves crunching, as Ethan Jackson stepped out of the trees. He saw Sage sitting in the hammock. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were out here." He was also holding a book. Her eyes lit up. "No no! Please. I love talking to other readers." She smiled. He joined her and they began to read together.

Ethan was way out of his element. Never in a million years, would he choose to come to a summer camp. He did not do bugs and he certainly did not do straight people. They talked for some time. "At least I know I have someone here. The others seem..." he trailed off. "Too perfect." She finished for him. "And you, you look perfect too though!" They laughed together. "How fucking pathetic I must be, to not want to be like them." Sage again laughed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Jericho dipped one foot into the water below. The lake was freezing. "Should I?" He turned to Sherman and Jaclyn, who were with him. "I mean I could just jump." He shrugged. Jaclyn shook her head. "Way too cold. You'll get frost bit." She looked for approval from the Italian man. Sherman was too busy staring at Jericho's abs to pay attention. "Yeah, what she said." He said as Jericho threw himself into the water. "Too late!"

That's when Sherman smelled something burning. He sat up. "What is that smell?" He looked over at Jaclyn, who also looked up at the sky. It seemed to be coming from the top of camp. Jaclyn picked up her towel. "Well I'm going to check it out, you guys coming." She said, eyeing the two guys. Jericho stuck his head out of the water. "It's probably nothing, but I guess so."

They found themselves running up the hill toward the top of camp. The smell of smoke was getting stronger. Sherman covered his nose with his shirt. As they rounded one of the paths, they ran into Cole, Zayne, and Greer. The woman was covering her mouth in a silent scream. Audrey and Phillip rounded the corner next. Jericho gasped at the sight before them. They heard feet running. Sage, Ethan, and Brooklyn came into sight.

Giles and Lana were already standing at the top of camp. In front of them, a large fire was reaching towards the sky. The flames were masking a figure, a person was in the fire. Calvin and Summer ran onto the scene and Summer screamed. The person in the fire was Trinity Garrison and she was now just a burning corpse. Giles looked around at all of the faces. The game had begun.