THE DOMINANCE GAMES

CHAPTER 6

"I'm going to win you a stuffed animal."

I try not to look at Pointer as I stifle a smile. His declaration stops me as we are snaking through the crowded street.

"What?" He asks, crossing his arms at my suddenly amused countenance.

"Pointer, I know you didn't notice but you were horrible when we played the darts."

He motions at the activities dotting the pier. "who said I was going to try the darts again?"

I bite my tongue. "Sorry, Let me rephrase. You are horrible at any activity that you need a good aim to win."

"Hey, I'm not!"

I give him an apologetic look. "You kind of are."

"I guess I'm going to have to prove you wrong then." He frowns. I watch as he strides off to the nearest parade stall. The letters, COCONUT SHY, are spelled out in blocks over it's hood.  I roll my eyes and follow after him. This was going to be worth seeing.

"Excuse me, one ticket please," He calls to the female volunteer, pulling out his wallet. I fold my arms, shaking my head slightly from behind him. There's no way this is going to end well for anybody.

The volunteer takes a five dollar note from Pointer before sliding two small rubber balls across the ledge.

"You get two chances to knock down a coconut from it's pedestal. Knock down a coconut, you win a prize of your choice. Good luck." She says.

Pointer shoots me a candid grin before wrapping his fingers around one of the balls.  I take a cautious step back.

He draws his arm back, narrows his eyes, then pits the ball at the coconut standing on the middle pedestal.

I duck as the ball ricochets of the wall behind the coconut, shoots across the pier and knocks the volunteer in the opposite stand in the eye. Pointer winces as I stifle a sharp giggle behind my hand. A few spectators gather around, pointing and laughing.

"Ooh, that's gotta to leave a mark." I joke.

Pointer glares at me, yanking up another ball. He draws in a deep breath and re-position's himself for another try. This time the ball bounces straight of the coconut and flops onto the matted ground.

"Stupid!" He groans, banging his fist on the ledge.

"Can I give it a shot?" I ask.

"Whatever." He sighs. I watch eagerly as he hands another five dollar bill to the volunteer. She passes me another set of balls.

I enclose a hand around a ball and squeeze it tightly. It pans out in my head. Deep breath, aim, and shoot! The ball I throw manages to hit the coconut and it trembles –

but stays put.

"Forget it. The coconuts are obviously glued on. It's a lucrative scam!" Pointer screeds.

I ignore him and pick up my last ball. This one is going to count. I shut my eyes and picture River's mystery killer as the coconut. Then I hurl the ball with all my strength. The coconut strikes up from the force and topples to the ground. The crowd around me jeers.

"Congrats, miss." The volunteer smiles. "You have a wicked aim. Pick a prize."

I beam from her compliment as my eyes run over the assortment of plush toys hanging on the wall. "Hey, Pointer, which one do you think as should choose?" I ask him.

"Oh, I don't know, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Since you're so smart and all." He snaps.

I furrow my eyebrows. What is he so mad about? I won the game. Wasn't that what he wanted?