Earthbound : A gripping crime thriller full of twists and supernatural suspense by Fynn Perry (audio ebook reader .TXT) 📕

narrow, dimly lit street. She released him and immediately his glow brightened, but Nikki remained a dimmer version of her usual self. He registered that she was appraising him as feelings of disbelief and shock somersaulted through him. He had so many questions that he wanted to ask, but right at the top of the list was simply, “Why would anyone want to design a game like that?”

She looked at him as if expecting more context to his question.

Despite his anger at her lack of response, he started to oblige with a more specific question: “I mean, why would Voids provoke more conflict than–––”

“––would normally occur…John?” she said, finishing his sentence. “Or perhaps, you meant to say… is necessary?”

“Necessary? Why would I think any of those hideous events necessary?

“Don’t be so indignant, John! Mortals crave conflict. They have taken every opportunity in history to kill each other, over any excuse that they could think of, including sexual orientation, race and, of course, the most widely used excuse of all… religion.” A smile twitched on her lips as she said this last one. “Hate and greed appear to drive this need to kill, but in fact, humans have evolved an innate desire to kill each other more than any other mammal on the planet. Why do you think that is?”

John didn’t have an answer and Nikki clearly wasn’t waiting for one. “It’s because they have no predators on Earth to keep their numbers in check and stop them from destroying their habitat. Nature grossly underestimated humanity’s desire to reproduce, which has vastly outweighed their desire to kill each other.” She paused then smiled as she said, “So you could say we’re giving mother nature a helping hand.”

“You’re telling me that you invented The Game so we could kill each in greater numbers so we don’t overpopulate the Earth?” he asked incredulously.

“Think of it as a highly sophisticated and rather elegant cull, John. By utilizing a species’ own propensity for murder, we are protecting them from extinction.”

“So, you’re orchestrating these horrendous massacres for our benefit?” John said, outraged.

“Well, we do have a vested interest. Without any mortals, the Game wouldn’t exist, which would be a pity, because it happens to be highly entertaining. It’s gratifyingly complex. There are so many factors at play to strategically manage in making a narrative successful! Not to mention the greatest challenge, which is to keep an exponentially increasing mortal population in check. We have to be constantly thinking of more effective and productive narratives. The existence of The Game really is a ‘win-win’ for us and the mortals,” she smirked.

“It’s barbaric!” John protested.

“Maybe so, but it seems we Voids still share a character trait with the mortals in that we find such battles against adversity fascinating to watch and to manipulate like any good board game.”

Nikki stood studying John’s expression of shock. “Any more questions?” she finally asked.

“What about Santiago?” John managed to ask, trying to focus on an immediate threat amid a sea of bizarre and horrific revelations.

Nikki smiled as she gave her response. “Juan Santiago had a well-deserved reputation for ruling his drug-trafficking empire with extreme cruelty, but as a mortal he didn’t live long enough to expand beyond Miami. We have big plans for him now that he’s a spirit—we’ve made him the leading player in a new narrative.” There was an edge of increased excitement in her voice that John found disturbing. Then her tone changed. “Unfortunately, we see Santiago’s need to carry through the vendettas left over from his mortal life, and that includes the one he seems to have against your girlfriend’s father, as an unnecessary distraction. We have decided that he should finalize them quickly so he can fully apply himself to the new narrative. After all, The Game must go on!”

John was astonished. “And you’re fine with just… just letting it happen?”

Nikki gave a shrug and raised her eyebrows. “Don’t hate the player, hate the game…That’s what the mortals say, isn’t it?”

John said nothing. The phrase, so ordinary in his mortal life, now had a much more sinister meaning.

“You’re in a precarious position, John. There are some people who make it back from a coma. You could be one of the lucky ones. But as of now, in your current state Santiago is a double threat to you. He can terminate what’s left of your mortal existence by finding and possessing a mortal capable of committing murder—let’s say a doctor or nurse with a God complex, who will then target you, and he can extinguish your existence as a spirit. Remember your little drama on the freeway?”

John remembered it only too well. “But, why does Santiago want me dead?” Nikki ignored the question. “You know, in rare situations earthbound spirits have been briefly seen by mortals who shared an intense emotional bond with the person who died. It really is quite touching to watch. Then there’s the matter of your girlfriend, Jennifer Miller.”

“What about her?” John snapped.

“It would be a shame to lose a mortal who has the gift to permanently see earthbound spirits. It’s a real rarity—a gift or a curse, I suppose, depending on your perspective. I’m sure she told you of the sighting of her dead grandmother in her youth, but that wasn’t because of her gift. Spirits who leave Earth with a strong emotional bond to someone can appear very briefly to that person.” The girl spirit paused before continuing. “It was Jennifer’s fall and concussion at your stabbing that made the gift come to life. We have no idea what is causing it to remain in play.” Nikki paused. “She’s very interesting…as are you, John.”

“Interesting? As players in your sick game?”

“No,” she laughed. “Although if you, as a clearly resourceful spirit, had the right mindset, I could start you off with a small role and gradually build you up to greatness. Who knows, you might enjoy the power.”

“Never,” John said adamantly.

“You’d be surprised, John,” she interrupted, “given the right set of circumstances