SIX PAWS UNDER (PAPERBACK)

Chapter 1

Stepping onto the island near Blackwood Cove, Luffy by her side, Jasmine breathed in deeply. There was no one waiting at the dock for her, but then she had no way of knowing whether anyone else had arrived. Each contestant was taking the journey from the mainland separately, as the producer didn’t want them to meet too soon. He had explained to Jasmine that the meeting was one highlight the viewers enjoyed.

Even though they weren’t in view, Jasmine knew there were cameras somewhere watching her. Cameras, with viewers on the other side. Joining the competition was a choice. She knew, technically, what she was getting into, and all she could really hope for was good editing.
Glancing down at Luffy, the stillness of his tail a sign he still wasn’t happy, she picked up her bag.

If they got through to the end, it would be around a month on the island, with a group of strangers. There were eleven, including her, according to the information packet they sent when she became a contestant. The producer had been excited to have a genuine celebrity on the island, even though Jasmine still did not see herself as one. To her, it was simply a way to get the money she needed. Even if she didn’t win, maybe being on telly would be enough for others to invest money in her business.

As Jasmine made her way along the path, she studied the island. It was privately owned, in the hands of the producer, and the competition was in its third year. Three years of people being willing to put their life on hold for a month to live on an island. She shook her head. Until she applied herself, she couldn’t understand the choice, but the money was worth it. Hopefully.

Thanks to the time she’d spent watching the show, after deciding she was going for it, Jasmine knew a little about the layout of the island. Getting from the dock to the main house was easy enough, as long as you followed the path. More than once people got lost, missing a turning somewhere, but there were people around to help. People they would not see unless something went seriously wrong.

Reaching the end of the path, Jasmine opened the door, stepping into the house. Warmth surrounded her. There was no one else in the living room, a sign she might be the first to arrive, or they were off somewhere exploring. It didn’t seem likely it would be all that long before someone else would arrive, and waiting was probably the best option.

The living room had a large sofa and different seats scattered around. The beanbag chair was Jasmine’s choice. Nestling herself, bag by her side, she looked at Luffy. He looked back at her, silence unnerving but not unexpected. From the beginning, he’d made his displeasure with her choice obvious. Luffy didn’t like to break his daily routine, but he acknowledged the need for investment in his best friend’s business. He stayed by her feet, possibly having softened since he noticed there was quite a lot of unchartered land to explore.

Jasmine looked around the room, once more searching for the cameras she knew were there. The game show crew carefully hid them to ensure none of the contestants could cover them. One rule of the game was that you could not hide from the cameras while you were in the house, other than in the bathrooms. Not a surprise, considering what they’d all signed up for.

Finally, a guy stepped into the house. He was pulling a suitcase behind him. Jasmine’s eyes met with his for a moment, and he narrowed his eyes at her. “You the first one here?”

“Possibly. I didn’t find anyone else here, but I also didn’t go hunting. I’m Jasmine. You?”

“Sam. Dog yours?”

“Yeah, this is Luffy.” Luffy raised his head, thumping his tail. “We go everywhere together.”

“Why are you here?”

“The prize money. Can’t help thinking it’s the primary reason most of us are here. Unless you have some other story.”

“Nah, I’m here for the money too. Suppose we might as well wait here for the rest. Two of twelve so far.”

“Unless there is someone hiding out elsewhere.”

“Being the first isn’t exactly easy. Sitting here, waiting… I’m glad it wasn’t me.”

“Could have been worse.”

Both of them fell silent, and Jasmine took the time to observe Sam. He was distinctly average, the type she’d never have noticed on the street. But she knew there was a reason they’d chosen each of them. Like her, he was probably wondering the same thing.

Fortunately for both of them and the viewers, it wasn’t long before contestant number three walked through the door. Like Sam, she was pulling a suitcase behind her. Jasmine glanced at her bag, which was just about big enough for minimalistic packing. There was a place designated for laundry, so it wasn’t as though she needed options. Other people would feel differently, wanting more clothes with them than she had.

“I’m so glad I’m not the first one here. I’m Lola. Pleasure to meet you both.” Her eyes moved to Luffy. “Oh, a dog. Is he friendly? Can I pet him? It is a he, right? Looks like a he?”

“Of course.” Jasmine smiled. “His name is Luffy.”

“Hello, Luffy. It’s so nice to have a dog here.” Lola moved over to them, leaving her suitcase by a chair, kneeling down to stroke Luffy. “My two cats are with my sister while I’m here, and I already know I’m going to miss them more than anything else.”

Luffy thumped his tail on the floor as Lola ran her fingers through his fur, and all Jasmine could do was smile. An animal person, obviously, seemingly oblivious to the fact she’d barely paid any attention to the two people she was sharing a house with. That had to be more amusing than anything else.

Contestant number four walked in as Jasmine was trying to find a cordial way to bring up introductions. Another guy with another suitcase, this one the direct opposite of Sam. He was very attractive, and oddly enough bore a slight resemblance to her friend Brandon. Jasmine wondered if he was one of the viewers back home at Blackwood Cove. The new guy smiled as he looked around the room, his teeth bright in the tanned skin of his face.

“Hello, I’m Andrew.”

“Nice to meet you, Andrew. I’m Jasmine, and the dog down there is Luffy. He’s with me.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Jasmine and Luffy.” Andrew looked at Lola, the smile becoming a grin, seeing how she’d barely even noticed his arrival. “You a vet by any chance, friend of Luffy?”

Lola looked over at Andrew. “How did you guess?”

“My fiancé’s a vet, and she’d be exactly like you right now. Animals always come first.” Andrew dropped into a seat. “She fosters all the time, helping sick animals through the very worst experiences.”

“Fostering is one of the most enjoyable and heartbreaking things to do.” Lola changed position, so she could pet Luffy while talking to Andrew. “So many times, they’ve been getting better, only to have one moment when it all falls apart.”

“Heartbreaking is the right word for it. She promised she wouldn’t take in any while I was away, because I’ve always been there for her when the worst happened. I don’t want her going through it alone. We’re high school sweethearts. No one believed we were going to last, told us the time would come when we’d grow apart. I will not say it’s been easy, but definitely worth it. If I win, the money will go on the wedding.”

“Got any plans?”

“For now, not so much. It’s been a complicated time. Family emergencies on both sides, and too many funerals. This was partly a way to get away from it all.” He looked over at Sam. “You’ve been quiet, friend.”

“Quiet’s normal for me. More of a people watcher than a speaker. I’m Sam.”

“Well, Sam, maybe I’ll be able to draw your voice out a little.”

Before Andrew could say anything more, contestant number five walked in. She was probably the same age as Jasmine, sporting another small bag, and a radiant smile.

“Hey, everyone, I’m Annabelle. I enjoy socializing, baking, knitting, and almost anything under the sun.”

“Sounds like we will get along just fine.” The sixth contestant entered and sat down in the seat closest to Andrew, another guy who wore golden horn-rim spectacles. “I wonder who else we are going to meet. The name’s Daniel, and I am happily single. Love is such a complicated emotion. Sometimes I wish I couldn’t feel it, but I think life would be so much emptier without it.” He looked at Luffy. “Animals might be the route to take, however.”