Page 39 of The Dinner Party

Carson’s eyes narrow. “What are you doing then?”

“I came to warn you.” The hitchhiker glances to the side nervously. “The people in the house… They know your plan. They know how you’re trying to escape, and they’re waiting for you.”

Carson sucks in a breath. “No. That’s impossible.”

“I overheard them talking,” the hitchhiker insists. “I swear, they’re going to kill you. Both of you.”

Carson stares at him, shaking his head. He appears to debate the situation, but then he comes to a conclusion: “You’re lying.”

“Lying?” the hitchhiker repeats. “Why would I lie? What would I have to gain?”

“I genuinely don’t know.” Carson nods his head in the direction of the gate. “But I don’t believe anyone is waiting for us.”

For a moment, a slice of light passes over the hitchhiker’s face as the mist around the moon clears for a second then returns.

“Listen to me.” The hitchhiker turns to you, apparently realizing Carson is a lost cause. “If you follow him, they’re going to kill you. I promise. I found another way out, and that’s the only way you’re getting out of here.”

“Don’t listen to him, Sloan,” Carson growls. “I don’t know what his game is, but he’s misleading you. Come with me, and we’ll get out of here together. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

You look between the two men, unsure what to do. They are both strangers. Who are you supposed to believe?

To follow the hitchhiker, turn to Chapter 65 (page 166)

To follow Carson, turn to Chapter 67 (page 172)

65

The hitchhiker seems so certain about the cannibals lying in wait. Carson might not believe him, but you do. After all, why would he lie?

“You know another way out?” you ask the hitchhiker.

“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “It’s not far from here.”

You turn back to Carson, who is frowning down at you. “I’m sorry,” you say to him. “But I think he might be right. I think they’re waiting for us.”

“I really wish you’d reconsider, Sloan,” he says softly. “I’m your only chance to get out of here in one piece. I mean that.”

For a moment, you almost consider changing your mind. But no, it’s too late. This is the path you have chosen.

“Come on, Sloan.” The hitchhiker gestures for you to follow him. “I’ll show you the way.”

You follow the hitchhiker along the side of the mansion. As you walk beside him, you cast a look over your shoulder and find that Carson is staring after you. But after a few minutes, he disappears from view.

“Your friend seemed worried about you,” the hitchhiker remarks. “Do you think he’ll follow us?”

“He’s not my friend,” you correct him. “I only met him tonight. We’re basically strangers.”

“Is that so?” the hitchhiker asks. “Interesting. So I guess that means he isn’t that concerned about you.”

The moon disappears behind some clouds again, and the ground darkens. You suck in a breath. “Are we almost there?”

“Almost.”

The hitchhiker continues to lead you around the mansion, and then through a patch of trees and bushes. Finally, you come to a stop near the gate. Unfortunately, you don’t see any defects in the gate that you can climb through.

“I don’t understand,” you say. “How are we supposed to get out of here?”

“Actually…” A smile spreads across the hitchhiker’s lips. “You’re not.”