Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates Read Free Book Online Page A

territory they hadn’t yet explored.
    ‘We don’t intend to put anyone in danger and we wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything excessively illegal. It’s not that sort of game. But like Chad said, the consequences would become tougher and more embarrassing. But for me, that’s one of the most interesting elements of the Game. Embarrassment is in the eye of the beholder, don’t you agree? Personally the idea of singing in public would terrify me so much I might throw in the towel and forfeit my security deposit on the spot. Other people might have no problem with singing, the person who drew such a dare might even be a great singer. It’s all definitely very psychological rather than physical. And that’s one example of the element of luck involved.’ Jolyon was playing for more time, hoping some appropriate escalation would simply appear wholly formed in his mind. ‘You might, for example … you might ask someone to run naked three times round front quad.’ Jolyon flinched inside. Like drunken rugby players, he thought, how painfully unoriginal.
    ‘Or put on an art exhibition,’ said Chad, regretting the words as soon as he spoke them.
    Tallest leaned back a little. The interest that had thrust forward his shoulders had begun to wane. He looked away from Jolyon and Chad as he readied himself to speak.
    Jack quickly cleared his throat. ‘We had some more thoughts as well,’ he said, although this was in fact the first Jack had heard of any such game. ‘Ideas such as having to propose something highly illiberal in front of the lefty student union, having to forward a motion that could be interpreted as racist or sexist … Those are the hot-button issues that fire them up most of all. You can’t beat a good bit of lefty rage for entertainment.
    ‘Or you could give a lecture on Margaret Thatcher,’ Jack continued, ‘and claim that rather than her being a villain, she’s your personal heroine. You have to tell a crowd of smug liberals how vital it was to kill Argentines in the Falklands and she saved the economy by giving the nation’s miners a really good kicking.’ Jack grinned as he became more and more amused by the thought. ‘And then you lean on the lectern and watch the crowd just fucking explode like you’ve kicked over their cosy little anthill,’ he said. ‘Just imagine the liberal pandemonium. There’s not a single person in college would ever speak to you again.’
    Now Tallest appeared interested once again. ‘Any more?’ he said, his tongue emerging speculatively from his mouth.
    ‘Oh, fuckloads ,’ said Jack. ‘And it gets darker, much darker. But that’s enough to give you a taste.’
    Tallest turned to his left. ‘Take down his name,’ he said.
    ‘No P in Thomson,’ said Jack while Middle scribbled a third line on his pad.
    ‘So why, may I ask, are you coming to us?’ said Tallest.
    ‘Funding,’ said Chad.
    Game Soc’s representatives exchanged looks, then quickly and silently reached their decision. It was the first time any of them had smiled and now all three of them were smiling unanimously.
    ‘How does ten thousand pounds sound?’ said Tallest.
    ‘This is not an unconditional offer, you realise,’ said Middle.
    And then Shortest added, his voice careful but nonetheless keen, ‘We would have to see a more formal proposal. A side of A4 should suffice.’
    ‘I’m sorry,’ said Chad, ‘ten thousand pounds? You said ten thousand, right?’
    ‘Yes, that’s something like twenty thousand of your American dollars, Mr Mason,’ said Tallest. ‘So long as you provide us with a more detailed proposal. And so long as we approve that proposal.’
    Chad tried hard not to laugh.
    ‘And we would have to insist upon one further important condition,’ Tallest continued. ‘At all times, and for the entire duration of the Game, at least one of the three of us would have to be present. This would remain applicable both during every round and for all consequences, where