Chapter 606
Chapter 606:
Red Jack chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. “Relax, will you? If I was here to kill you, you’d be long gone by now—there were plenty of chances at the resort. You look tense, so I thought a game might help you loosen up.”
Ashton scoffed, quickly recognizing that Red Jack’s sudden appearance could only mean one thing—a trap awaited him. He cut straight to the point, saying firmly, “I’m not here to play games. Hand over Abrial now, or else face my wrath!”
Red Jack, however, didn’t even flinch at the warning. “You might be stronger than me, Ashton, that’s true. But right now, you’re not in a position to reject my demands. If you don’t play along, the woman suffers the consequences. She’s central to this game. Win, and you both can walk free. Refuse, and it’s death for her. However, if you lose, then both of you will die.”
Red Jack’s eyebrow arched confidently. “Indeed, the smart move for you is to quit and save yourself.”
Ashton’s fingers tightened around the fork, fighting the impulse to launch it right at Red Jack’s head.
He was aware that Red Jack’s fate was closely tied to Abrial’s survival. Their involvement wasn’t spurred by any personal animosity; rather, Abrial was caught in the crossfire because of him.
Today, Abrial had invited him to the resort merely to lift his spirits, making it unthinkable for Ashton to leave her behind.
With resolve, Ashton clenched his jaw and inquired, “What’s your plan for the game?”
Seeing Ashton’s reluctant agreement lit up Red Jack’s face with a thrill of anticipation.
He declared energetically, “Now that you’re in, let the game begin! Our first challenge is a perilous game of hide and seek. I’ve concealed that woman somewhere. You have just five minutes to find her. Fail, and it’s the end for both of you!”
Ꮮⲁ𝗍𝓮𝐬𝓉 с𝐡𝒂𝗉𝓉𝖾𝗋𝓼 ց𝙖𝕝𝗇𝗈ⲃ𝗲𝗅𝘀[﹒]ⅽ𝗼𝗺
As Ashton absorbed Red Jack’s declaration, a chilling light flickered in his eyes.
“You call this a game?” His voice was cold. “A direct confrontation would be more straightforward. This resort sprawls too wide to traverse in five minutes on foot. Do you really expect me to locate her in that time?”
Red Jack smacked his forehead, an exaggerated gesture of remembering something. “Ah, that slipped my mind. A fair game is a must. Here’s my offer: you can ask me three questions, and I will answer only with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Mind you, out of the three answers, two will be lies and one the truth. Choose your questions wisely!”
With time against him, Ashton had scant seconds to strategize. Red Jack’s admission of one truth among falsehoods offered a slim thread to follow.
Collecting his thoughts, Ashton fired off his first inquiry. “Is Abrial still alive?”
Red Jack’s eyes darkened with annoyance, yet he nodded in affirmation.
Ashton paused, mulling over his next move. “Is Abrial concealed somewhere outside the resort?”
Again, Red Jack’s irritation was palpable, but he nodded, signaling another yes.
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