Chapter 35.
When they’ve moved on to dessert and coffee, they hear The Host for the first time this evening, his voice seemingly coming at them from all corners of the room, surround sound.
“I hope everybody, including Mr. Tipton, is enjoying their evening,” The Host says, “and this welcome chance to become more fully acquainted.” They can clearly hear him chuckling. “Just out of curiosity, Mr. Tipton, what hurts more, your nose or your pride?”
“Get stuffed,” they hear Tipton say.
“Please watch your language, Mr. Tipton,” The Host says. “There are women and children present, even if one of the children just nearly punched your lights out.”
“You’re one to talk about protecting women . . .” Tipton says under his breath.
One of the waiters trades him an icepack for the bloody napkin.
“How about you spare me the grief then?” Tipton says.
“As you wish,” The Host continues. “Despite the jet lag I’m sure you all must be dealing with, please do your best to get a good night’s sleep, as the games will resume tomorrow.”
“What games?” Yolanda Green calls out from her seat.
“Board games,” The Host says.
A ripple of laughter, nervous and confused.
“Are you being serious here?” Yolanda says.
“All will be explained in the morning,” The Host says. “For now, I think we should all call it a night.”
But they hear another voice coming from the middle of the ballroom, not from speakers.
“Not quite yet,” Jimmy Donaldson says.