Read Online The Gauntlet Assassin by LJ Sellers - Free Book Online Page A

plastic-metal blend that resembled concrete. The windowless space looked like a giant underground bunker, lit up with metal halide lamps and cameras mounted everywhere.
    Kirsten came in behind her and they took their spots on the large red Xs marked on the floor. The first dividing wall, about thirty feet away, had a wide set of metal stairs leading to a platform halfway up. A door in the middle of the wall had no obvious handle she could see. Lara assumed it was electronically operated. Was it controlled by the viewers?
    The director hustled into the room, carrying her oversized microphone. Minda Walters wore a black skirt, knee-high boots, and a pastel pullover. Her assistant and co-host, Serena Panjib, was a step behind, followed by two men with shoulder cameras.
    Minda stood in front of the contestants and spoke to the audience. “For viewers just tuning in, welcome to the Third Annual Gauntlet, sponsored by AmGo, makers of the Dock and iCom and a host of other technology that connects us to each other. Today we begin the first phase of the competition, the Challenge.”
    The director stepped toward Kirsten. “One of our first two contestants in the 2023 Gauntlet is twenty-four-year-old Kirsten Dornberg, a graduate physical education student, competing for the state of Florida. Welcome, Kirsten. What have you been doing to prepare for the competition?”
    Kirsten leaned toward the cameras, showing off her cleavage in a low-cut bodysuit. “I’ve been training at a military base, running obstacles courses, and swimming for an hour a day.”
    They’d been coached to give short responses at this point, having been interviewed already in the lobby. Lara thought about her own training at the National Guard center in Salem, where they’d enhanced their courses just for her. The state had given her what little support it could afford.
    Minda walked toward Lara. “Our second contestant is forty-two-year-old Lara Evans, ex-police officer and paramedic, competing for the state of Oregon. Welcome, Lara.” A wicked smile played on Minda’s lips. “The pundits are betting heavily against you in this first event. How do you plan to overcome the odds?”
    Lara had steeled herself for this kind of bullshit. “I hope to be faster, smarter, and more aggressive than my competitor.”
    Minda stepped back and spoke to the viewers. “It’s time to cast your first vote. Who do you think will win this round of the Challenge?”
    Lara tried not to think about the millions of people watching. Her body hummed with adrenaline, eager to run and sweat and work her muscles. She glanced around the room, looking for something that would open the door. A variety of objects—plastic rings, spiked weapons, and a big red ball—lined the floor, but the ten-foot heavy black pole caught her eye.
    Minda made her final pre-start speech. “As the commissioner mentioned, this first phase involves teamwork. To reach the competition area, the contestants must work together to open the door at the top of the stairs. They have only three minutes to do so. If they fail to open the door in time, neither will earn any points for entire Challenge, but the winner will advance anyway.” She looked at Kirsten, then at Lara. “Are you ready?”
    They both nodded and Minda walked between them toward the door. “Let the games begin.”
    Kirsten charged forward, but Lara yelled, “Wait. We need a key.” It was a guess, but she trusted her instincts. The teamwork probably involved carrying the key up the stairs together, which meant it was something heavy or awkward, like the long pole.
    Her competitor turned back. “What key?” Kirsten glanced around, looking skeptical.
    “I think it’s the pole.” Lara was already moving toward it. “It’s the only thing that requires two people.”
    Kirsten ran to the other end, and Lara was grateful she didn’t argue. They squatted and lifted together, and Lara was surprised by the weight. On the other end, Kirsten