The Grandest Game, #1
The Grandest Game
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 67: GIGI
Overview
The blackout leaves Gigi isolated while Knox and Brady argue below, forcing Gigi to think through the hidden tensions surrounding Calla and the Thorps. Gigi decides the power outage is probably not part of Avery’s game and confronts the possibility that another player is secretly on the island. Her challenge through the bug receives a familiar response, confirming that someone has been listening and escalating the threat beyond the formal competition.
Summary
Knox orders Gigi to stay still in the darkness, then drops through the trapdoor. From above, Gigi hears Knox and Brady arguing below, though she cannot make out the words.
While waiting alone, Gigi thinks back to Knox’s claim that Brady could never understand a Calla Thorp goodbye. Knox’s hidden scar, Brady’s memories of Calla’s archery, and Brady’s rejection of Knox as a brother all deepen Gigi’s sense that the Thorps’ past is still shaping the present conflict.
Gigi then focuses on the bug hidden in her dress. With no storm visible outside, Gigi doubts that the blackout is a planned part of the game. Knox’s earlier warning makes Gigi suspect that someone besides the official game makers is on the island and using the situation to play a different game.
Gigi checks for the knife under her gown, removes the bug, and addresses whoever might be listening. After two attempts and a stretch of silence, a familiar tinny voice answers: "No, sunshine, you don’t."
Who Appears
- GigiLeft alone in the blackout; suspects outside interference and confronts the bug’s listener.
- KnoxOrders Gigi to stay put, then descends through the trapdoor to argue with Brady.
- BradyArgues with Knox below, while Gigi reflects on his conflict with Knox and Calla.
- Unidentified familiar voiceAnswers Gigi through the bug, proving that someone has been listening.