The Cheater's Game

Episode Two: Beginning of Despair

There they all were standing frozen with shock from what they had just witnessed. Jackson could feel his lips moving, but no words were coming out. He felt the rush of anxiety grab his at his heart as he took a knee. Breathe he kept telling himself.

"What the fuck just happened!?" Virgil yelled as he looked at the rest of them.

Donnie rushed over to and began trying to resuscitate him. The wound in his chest was fatal but he knew that he still had to try. Jackson looked around the room at the others. Virgil was on his phone trying to dial for help, but couldn't get a signal. Riley who had now thrown up on the floor was trying to calm Jeremy down who was beginning to have a panic attack.

All of this seemed normal given the situation. That is until he peered over at Malachi who was just standing with his hands behind his back watching Donnie. He noticed Jackson looking in his direction and glanced over at him. Jackson quickly regained his sense of reality as he stood up and walked over to Donnie.

"Come on Marco breathe." Donnie said as he continued giving compressions.

"That's enough Donnie he's gone."

Donnie continued the compressions as he ignored what Jackson just said.

"I said that's enough Donnie!" He said as he grabbed his shoulder.

"You get your fucking hands off of me!"

He pushed Jackson back. Jackson could feel a surge of anger in him as he reached out and grabbed Donnie by his collar and pinned him against the door.

"Calm the fuck down. He's dead alright. Now unless you want to join him I suggest you relax."

Donnie knew about Jackson's temper, but was surprised to see the control over it his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry. Let me just sit down for a sec."

Jackson let go of him and watched him slide down to the floor against the door. Jackson looked down at Marco. They may have had their differences, but no one deserved to die like that.

"Are you three good?" He said as he pointed at the rest of the group. They all shook their heads as Jeremy had now finally caught his breath. Jackson looked at Malachi who was still in the same position.

"What was that just now?" He asked pointing at the monitor.

"That Master Jackson would be the start of Ms. FiFi's game. I tried to warn him not to be hasty."

Jackson looked at the guys and then back towards Malachi.

"So you knew that thing was going to kill him."

"Precisely."

"You're his butler, and yet you still let him go." Virgil chimed in as he stood beside Jackson. Jeremy and Riley followed closely behind.

"It was against her wishes for me to intervene directly in any of the games that take place here. I am only to assist as a guide. And whether I believe in what is right, or what is wrong I am loyal to her."

"What kind of shit is that? A game!? Someone just died we have to get help!" Donnie yelled out as he reached up for the door.

Jackson held up his hand as a signal for him not to open it. His brain was now working in overdrive as he began to analyze everything. Virgil walked over to the table began to pour himself a shot.

"Now isn't the time to be drinking Virgil." Donnie said as he finally got off of the floor.

"I'd rather not be on edge right now." He said as he threw it back.