CHAPTER 69: JAMESON

Jameson and Avery rush from the house to the stone garden sundial, knowing the clue "DIAL 216" may lead to the second key. Jameson checks for other players and worries that Branford may already have found a box, but he reasons that a second key could let Jameson either win the Game or gain leverage over Branford.

At the sundial, Jameson first tests the Roman numerals II, I, and VI. Avery points out that 216 is a perfect cube: six times six times six. Jameson connects the three sixes to Devil’s Mercy and decides the fixed bar of the sundial must be the starting point.

Jameson counts paths of six stones from the bar, trying several combinations until he notices dirt and missing grass around one stone. Avery realizes they need to dig. Jameson tears at the dirt with his hands, injuring himself but refusing to stop because winning and protecting his secret matter more than pain.

After prying up the stone and digging into the hard earth beneath it, Jameson uncovers a burlap sack. Inside is a gold key unlike the first, marked with a design that resembles a maze. Jameson feels certain this is the key that can open the box and win him the Game.

As Jameson restores the stone, Katharine appears and demands that Jameson hand over the final key. Avery challenges her, but then Ian Johnstone-Jameson enters through the wrought-iron gate and says he wants the key, praising Jameson for finding it.