Castaways by Brian Keene Read Free Book Online

Pauline in the buff. It was a popular choice in the editing room onboard the ship.
    "So when do we inform them?" Mark cocked his thumb over his shoulder at the contestants.
    "Now. And make sure you film it, because their reactions should make for great footage. We'll send the rest of the crew back to the landing zone, so they can evacuate. Then we've got some other scheduled shoots while there's still daylight and before the weather gets bad. We need to do some one-on-one interviews with Matthew, Roberta, and Stefan. We need to get some stock footage of Matthew and Roberta, because what we have so far isn't that useful. Also, I'm noticing some sparks between Jerry and Becka."
    "Yeah," Jesse said, "I picked up on that, too, during today's challenge. They were pretty cozy on the swim back to shore. Took their time together."
    "Might be worth keeping an eye on that. And, of course, the ongoing conflict between Troy and Stefan should be focused on, as well. With an extra day before exile, that should lead to some interesting opportunities. Make sure we film it."
    Mark spit out his twig and hefted the equipment. "How in the hell are we gonna capture all that with only one camera?"
    "We'll have to pick and choose, of course. I've got a spare handheld stowed with my gear. We'll make due. In fact, I'll stay here while you guys conduct the interviews with Roberta, Stefan, and Matthew. Just in case something big happens."
    Mark shrugged. "You're the boss."
    Stuart stood. "Let's go tell them the good news."
    "How do you think they're gonna take it?"
    "Everything will be fine," Stuart said. "They'll be okay with it. After all, this is showbiz! They want to be famous? This is a part of it. The show must go on."
    "Fuck that shit," Troy shouted. "You've got to be fucking kidding me. There ain't no fucking way I'm staying on this fucking island in the middle of a fucking hurricane. Fuck that."
    "Jesus," Raul muttered. "The air's gone blue, dog."
    Jeff nodded. "He curses more than the guy on Deadwood, doesn't he?"
    "And I'll tell you something else," Troy contin-
    ued, ignoring the comments. "You're postponing the next exile vote until after Ivan passes, right? I say the hell with that. I want to know right fucking now if I'm getting fucking exiled or not before I agree to fucking stay here during a goddamned storm."
    Richard nodded. "Yeah, that sounds about right. I'm with him. I've lived through tornadoes in Kansas. I don't really want to do it again."
    While Mark and Jesse captured their reactions, Stuart held up his hands.for silence.
    "Obviously," he said, "we can't force you to remain behind. If you are that concerned, you are certainly welcome to evacuate with the rest of the crew. But understand, according to the contract you signed, if you choose to do so, you are forfeiting the game."
    "What?" Troy was exasperated. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
    "If you leave the island for any reason—be it by personal choice, medical emergency, death at home, whatever—that counts as a forfeiture. You agreed to that when you signed up, Troy. You too, Richard."
    Richard shook his head.
    "It's just like what happened with Sheila," Stuart pointed out. "She broke her leg and was unable to play anymore. Legally, we could have allowed her to keep playing, but she chose not to—wisely, I might add. So she forfeited. You can do the same thing, if you want."
    Troy opened his mouth to curse some more, but Stefan interrupted him.
    "Go ahead and leave, you bloody gearhead. Go back to Seattle with your tail between your legs and
    bend wrenches for the rest of your life. Live up to your potential as a loser and let us big dogs compete without the constant annoyance of your presence."
    "Yeah," Jeff chimed in, "in fact, I'm willing to carry you down to the helicopter if you can't make it. What do you say, Troy?"
    Mark zoomed in on Troy, capturing his expression.
    "Fuck you, pretty boy. I'll outlast a metrosexual fuckwit like you any day