Kings Gambit

Chapter 50 - Expurgation

Knock Knock Knock

Someone gently knocked on my bedroom door. My bones croaked as I slothfully got out of bed. Rubbing my eyes, I pattered over to the door with wobbly steps.

"The hell do you want?" I asked through the door. Just leave me to die...

"Hmmm, I wonder," Jasper's voice rang out. My heart skipped a beat as he spoke. This bastard... He's the reason she's dead!

"Fuck off!" I yelled back as I turned away back towards my bed.

"Don't you want to know the truth, Matt? I have a plan, a plan to end this killing game, and I need your help." Jasper replied, his voice anxious. I stopped in place. End this killing game? Aren't you the bastard who made it?

"Matt... Please hear us out..." Claire's voice took me by surprise.

"Claire... What the hell are you doing? Didn't you learn your lesson the last time you trusted that rat?" I snapped back.

"It was all a lie... Please, may we come in?" Claire asked, her voice gentle and sweet. I stood in the dark room momentarily, "Damnnit..." I mumbled to myself as I pulled the energy to open my door. On the other side, Jasper glanced at me with a severe expression, his eyes pink and drifting. Claire stood beside him with heavy bags under her eyes, her red dress in tatters. With a grunt, I motion them to walk inside.

"Make it quick," I scoffed. Jasper nodded before they walked on in. Closing the door behind them. Jasper leaned against the wall to my right, and Claire stood to my left.

"I know you must be confused. I hope you can trust me when I say everything I say now will be the truth." Jasper winced his eyes.

"That's a damn hard ask," I crossed my arms. Who the hell does he think he is?

"I know, I know. God, where should I even begin." Jasper fidgeted with his tangled hair, his body motions anxious and spermatic before he glanced into my eyes with one hand scratching the back of his head. "I lied about being the mastermind," he nervously chuckled as his eyes continued being pink. I looked over at Claire, who just nodded silently.

"So? Who gives a shit? I'm just waiting to die over here, and you're telling me you threatened our lives for no reason? I don't give a damn!" I clenched the neck of my T-Shirt.

"Right, you can't win anymore. Which is what brought us here now," Jasper winced at my reaction, "Hank and Leo are effectively the masterminds of this game... The three of us and Angel are the only victims left," Jasper continued.

"You? A victim? Bullshit," I lifted my chin in disgust.

"He's not lying!" Claire yelled out with her eyes shut.

"How could you protect this rat after what he did to you?!" I yelled back.

"Because it was all a lie! Jasper and I are close friends, much like you and Elizabeth," Claire whimpered. I clenched at my heart as she spoke her name.

"It's true. Claire and I were circus performers prior to this game. I just happen to be related to Hank and the mastermind of the last killing game. Imagine the shock I felt when I learned that little fact," Jasper chuckled to himself before sighing, "My role forces me to get votes. If I'm not voted out, I'm left in a position much like yours now," He continued.

"Tell me all you want. I don't want to help you assholes," I scoffed, "Now get out!" I yelled.

"We need you!" Jasper's entire body shook as he got down on his knees.