The Inheritance Games, #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 50: JAMESON
Overview
Jameson risks a secret he has kept even from Avery and his brothers in order to gain entry into the Proprietor’s Game and pursue Vantage. The Proprietor accepts both the written secret and Jameson’s hidden proof, raising the stakes by claiming ownership of the secret if Jameson loses.
The invitation proves to be a trap or initiation: a powder incapacitates Jameson the moment he opens it. Jameson gets into the Game, but only by surrendering dangerous leverage and losing physical control.
Summary
After Branford is taken away for Rohan to handle, the Proprietor personally deals with Jameson Hawthorne’s offered secret. The Proprietor presents Jameson with a scroll, a blade-sharp metal quill, and dark purple ink, making clear that Jameson must write the secret down before the Proprietor decides whether it is worthy of entry into the Game.
The Proprietor explains the stakes: if the secret qualifies, Jameson must provide proof; if Jameson wins the Game, the scroll will be destroyed and the proof returned, but if Jameson loses, the Proprietor may use the secret however he wishes. Jameson recognizes the danger and remembers why he has hidden what he learned in Prague even from his brothers and Avery, but he decides this is his only chance to reach Vantage.
Jameson writes a carefully phrased four-word secret, revealing only enough to be enticing while trying to limit the damage. The clues in the writing point to a dangerous claim involving a Hawthorne and someone being alive. Once the ink dries, the Proprietor judges the secret sufficient and asks for proof.
Jameson directs the Proprietor to a pocket watch at his flat. When the watch is brought, Jameson opens its hidden compartment and reveals a small translucent bead filled with liquid. The Proprietor accepts it without asking for an explanation and gives Jameson an invitation like the one Zella received.
When Jameson opens the envelope, powder bursts into his face. His lungs seize, his muscles fail, and he collapses as the Proprietor stands over him and welcomes him to the Game.
Who Appears
- Jameson HawthorneRisks a dangerous hidden secret and proof to gain entry into the Proprietor’s Game.
- The ProprietorControls admission to the Game, accepts Jameson’s secret, and incapacitates him with the invitation.
- RohanTakes Branford away to be dealt with after the earlier events.
- BranfordRemoved from the room for Rohan to handle while Jameson faces the Proprietor.
- AveryAbsent but important in Jameson’s thoughts as someone he has kept the secret from.