The Running Man
by Stephen King
Contents
…Minus 028 and COUNTING… When McCone’s voice came, it contain
Overview
Richards strengthens his bluff by forcing McCone to act under the pressure of possible public radio witnesses. McCone's hesitation suggests fear, while the crew's reactions show that Richards's threat has taken control of the situation. The chapter leaves Richards waiting in the darkened plane for McCone and Amelia, with escape still dependent on whether his deception survives the next few minutes.
Summary
McCone responds to Richards with bluster that may be fear, giving Richards hope that his bluff might succeed. Richards interrupts McCone and reminds McCone that their radio exchange can be overheard by nearby ham operators, meaning the Network cannot quietly double-cross him without public exposure.
Richards presses the threat harder, telling McCone that refusing to come or to bring Amelia Williams will ruin McCone even if McCone survives the supposed explosion. Richards ends the call after restating the three-minute deadline, preventing McCone from arguing further.
Holloway, visibly shaken but composed, acknowledges Richards's nerve. Duninger grimly notes that if Richards pulls the ring, there will be literal destruction, and Richards orders the crew to continue preflight because the plane will leave in five minutes.
Richards returns to the cabin, moves the parachute to a window seat, and watches the door between first and second class while waiting to see whether McCone and Amelia will arrive. As darkness falls outside, Richards nervously grips Amelia's handbag, aware that the next moments will decide whether his bluff holds.
Who Appears
- Ben RichardsMaintains his Dynacore bluff, intimidates McCone, and waits tensely for Amelia's arrival.
- McConeNetwork authority pressured over radio and possibly frightened into complying with Richards's demands.
- HollowayCrew member who handles the microphone and acknowledges Richards's extraordinary nerve.
- DuningerCrew member who grimly warns about the consequences if Richards pulls the ring.
- Amelia WilliamsAbsent hostage-leverage figure whose handbag Richards grips while demanding her return to the plane.