Francis didn’t respond immediately, gently tugging at some leaves without ripping them away. She wanted to slap his hand—weren’t they poisonous?

Had he lied to her? Why would he do that?

“I have a good reason.” He sounded like he regretted it, and let go of the leaves. Holding his hand palm up, he showed her his reddened fingertips. “And I know Jewel better than all of you combined. Once she knows you’re desperate, it’s game over.”

“Acting isn’t what most people think it is,” Nicole said. “I don’t just read lines and try to make it convincing. It’s a craft. And for me, that means watching people closely. I can’t mimic what I don’t understand.”

“Okay?” He looked at her, confused, while blowing on his hands to soothe the inflammation.

“I watch everyone. All the time. Including you. What aren’t you saying?”

He smiled—the corner of his mouth pulling into a reluctant half grin. “I thought Stella was the one I had to watch out for.”

“Francis.”

Sitting, their height difference didn’t feel as drastic. Inches away from her face, he leaned back, lifting his mouth to her ear, and whispered, “I can’t give her more ammo than she already has. Neither should you.”

STELLA SAYS
EPISODE 3

Afternoon Delight

Mmm, hello. I promised you all a Q&A, didn’t I?

First, let me fill you in on what you’ve missed, as is my civic duty to do.

We had lunch, fantastic; I spent some time with Jewel, enlightening; Ethan and Olive made an appearance, charming and tricksy as ever; and then we had an afternoon Cruelest Jewel challenge, and, uh, that’s where things took a very questionable turn.

Failure doesn’t exist for me, so obviously we rocked the Bone Room—yeah, you heard that right. Got this pretty thing as a reward [holds up a gold bracelet]. However, my partner is [pauses] indisposed at the moment and probably scarred for life. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. All religions welcome as well as nondenominational best wishes. Pretend you’re politicians. It seems to work fine for them.

Yes, I see your comments. I am talking. Wait your turn.

Where was I?

I haven’t the faintest idea where anyone else is. I miss Nicole. I’m hungry. My back hurts like you wouldn’t believe. I need a nap.

Currently, I’m in my room safe and sound and showered. All our rooms are color coded, by the way. Mine is red and just brimming with connotations that I’m not entirely oblivious to.

Oh! The screen is flashing a five-minute warning at me. How convenient.