The Running Man
by Stephen King
Contents
…Minus 019 and COUNTING… “Mr. Richards?” “Yes.” “We
Overview
Richards recognizes that the Network is tracking the hijacked plane and may sacrifice McCone and the other occupants to stop him. Rather than stay over populated territory, Richards orders Holloway to turn west toward open country, escalating the confrontation and daring the authorities to reveal their ruthlessness.
Summary
As the plane passes over Newark, New Jersey, Ben Richards confirms with Holloway that the Network has a bead on them throughout the flight. Richards understands that the authorities are weighing whether they can destroy the plane even with McCone and the other people aboard.
Richards questions Holloway about the terrain ahead. Holloway explains that continuing due south will keep the plane over densely populated areas until it eventually reaches open sea beyond the North Carolina offshore drilling derricks.
Instead of continuing south, Richards abruptly orders Holloway to turn due west. Holloway warns that this route will take them over more open country in Pennsylvania, giving the Network a better chance to shoot them down away from major cities.
McCone reacts with alarm and argues that the Network will blow the plane apart, even if doing so kills him and the other passengers. Richards mocks the idea that the country would admit such an act as a mistake, then notes that McCone is no longer laughing as Newark disappears behind them.
Who Appears
- Ben RichardsHijacker and fugitive; redirects the plane west to challenge the Network’s willingness to kill.
- HollowayPilot; confirms the plane is tracked and fears the danger of flying over open country.
- McConeNetwork hunter aboard the plane; realizes he may be sacrificed despite his value.
- AmeliaPassenger aboard the hijacked plane; reacts with surprise when Richards changes course.