The other said, “Ugh, okay.”

I said, “Yes, sir.” again. This was getting too close. I felt like running. The suspense was incredible. The other guy turned and looked at me again, and our eyes connected. My gosh, he looked absolutely terrified. I felt that way also. Could he see it in me too? If only we could talk, agree to things.

“I am going to deal you out a deck of cards. The queen of spades will be the first to die. Just collapse where you are sitting. The next one will will have ten seconds to figure out how he wants to die, on the couch, the floor over the other. Ten seconds. I will count down. Richard will be down right after that. Ready?” ….I said “Okay, he nodded.”

“We begin.”