Page 87 of Close Your Eyes and Count to 10

The superwoman Adele, who morphed herself from struggling single mom to Tough Be-atch champion. Lots of you have told me how she inspired you with her workouts and nutrition tips, her advice on overcoming terrible events in your life. She’s here to win. Welcome, Adele!

[A tentative smile and a wave from Adele.]

And Malinka! Okay, we know Malinka is mad at me, thinks maybe I know more than I’m saying about Chloe. But I have to forgive her, and so should you, because she’s a fierce and loyal friend, looking for answers to the mystery surrounding Chloe, someone we both care about. And what do we expect from the you-go-grrl maven who is the youngest woman to climb all seven summits and is the founder of Yes I Can women’s athletic wear?

[A glare from Malinka, then a reluctant smile and a peace sign for the camera.]

In disappointing news, megastarRed Worldgamer Scotty G was not able to make it because an encroaching storm closed the airports here. BUT he has agreed to stream our broadcast on his page and offer running commentary. And I promise you he’ll be on board for the next one.

You think this one’s sick??

Just wait for the next challenge. We’ve scoped out an awesome—well, never mind, we’ll tell you all about it when we’ve completed this one.

[Camera turns to the hotel. The sun is low in the sky, just a white ball through the thick cloud cover. Wind hisses and howls against the phone mic.]

Wow! The views are off the charts today. Look at you guys, tuning in for what promises to be our most Extreme Hide and Seek ever. Don’t forget to leave your comments and tell us what you love about Extreme and our adventures all over the world.

Look at the sky! Wow, Mother Nature in all her fearsome beauty.

[Maverick turns the camera to reveal a threatening black-and-gray sky, some drops of water hit the lens, the trees bend in silhouette. Enchantments looms, windows black and hollow, entrance yawning.]

Oh, and these guys.

[Maverick turns the camera to the line of men guarding the exit. They stand stock-still beside their ATVs.]

Apparently, we are not allowed to leave this property until Alex lets us know that he’s home safe and sound,and we’re not allowed to leave this island until after the storm has passed.

Yeah, it’s headed our way.

A big one.

But what’s a little weather, right?

And these guys—I don’t know what to say. They’re not cops. They’re not soldiers. They’re some kind of private mercenary army beholden to a crazy cultist… I think. They are apparently empowered to detain us by any means necessary. I have no idea what to think about that. So folks at the US embassy here in the islands, maybe you want to look into this. Because honestly? It’s a tad fucked.

[The camera stays trained on the men who don’t move at all.]

But…whatever, right?

[Camera back to Mav.]

Right now, we have a game to play. And we’re not leaving until it’s over.

[Turns the camera back to Malinka, Adele, and Wild Cody. They stand, looking intrepid, determined, the sky and hotel behind them.]

Hey, hiders! What do you say?

“Let’s do this!” says Wild Cody.

“Yes, I Can,” says Malinka, raising both arms and an issuing a whoop.

“For my kids,” says Adele, giving a smile and a thumbs-up.

All right, Extremists. Game on!

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STRANGER THAN FICTION