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“Reaches the room?” Alessa said. “What does that mean?”

Without answering, Brando opened the door. The room was dark until he reached inside the door and flicked on a switch. A light appeared as if at the end of a tunnel. “This way,” he instructed mysteriously.

I took the rear position, so I was the last to arrive at the spot where everyone had stopped.

“Are you kidding me,” Clarissa exclaimed. “Is that a slide?”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Slash

I peered over Clarissa’s shoulder and saw an open door revealing a chute leading to a basement or a lower level.

“A slide? Well, this is right down my aisle,” Mia said, clapping her hands.

“Do you mean ‘right up my alley’?” Clarissa asked.

I sighed. I was going to have to have a conversation with Lexi about what she was, or wasn’t, teaching Mia, because it obviously wasn’t working.

“What’s the difference between an aisle and an alley? And why do I go up instead of down it?”

“I’ll explain later, dear,” Clarissa said, patting Mia on the shoulder.

“So, the game room is in the basement?” I asked Brando.

“Seems more like that’s where the dungeon would be,” Winston muttered.

“Au contraire, Mr. Carmichael,” Brando said. “Castrum Augustus was a military fortification and did not possess a dungeon. However, it is an excellent suggestion. It might be a nice touch to add in the future. Perhaps a place where we can intern participants who fail in their challenges. Sort of like the nonlethal equivalent of losing one’s life in our games.”

Everyone laughed, except me. I wondered as to the true purpose of the slide.

It was as if Brando read my mind. “I’m sure you’re all wondering why Mr. Zachetti would build a slide into a castle. I assure you, it’s only to make sure his guests have some fun.”

“How steep is the slide and how do we know if it’s safe?” Winston asked.

“I assure you, it’s completely safe,” Brando answered. “But I’ll say nothing more, as I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises.”

“So, you’re saying my pregnant fiancée would have had to go down this slide had her team chosen the game room?” Gio asked.

“We would not have insisted your expectant bride-to-be go down the slide,” Brando said. “But, thankfully, we don’t have to worry about that, do we? Now, when the last person slides down, I’ll start the clock. You may not come back up the slide, so please, don’t try.”

“Do wereallyhave to go down the slide?” Clarissa asked, her hands on her hips. “I have white slacks on. Can’t we take the elevator?”

“I’m sorry, but you must use the slide. However, if you wish to forfeit the challenge, you may leave the way you came. Just keep in mind that all of you must go down the slide and participate to win the challenge.”

Gio shrugged. “Fine. I’ll go first and confirm it’s safe. You’re playing for my honeymoon, after all, so I might as well be the first to take the challenge. See you on the other side.” Without another word, he stepped forward on the slide and practically leaped down. There was no sound for a bit, followed by a short scream and abrupt silence.

Everyone looked at Brando with wide eyes before Winston turned toward me, his expression sending a clear message.

Everything is dangerous when you are around.

I sensed a revolt brewing, starting with my in-laws, and no ready plan to mitigate it. I started to say something when Gio called out from below.

“Hey, that wasn’t too bad. A little twisty but nothing special. It was fun. Come on!”

“Why did you scream?” Alessa shouted down to him.

“I was just kidding,” Gio said, laughing. “Relax. It’s perfectly safe, and the room looks interesting. Come down one at a time and I’ll catch you.”