Chapter 7
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Cameron died a few days later. The autopsy called it a heart attack, and the police just assumed James' video was an insane prank, but not illegal. James posted Cameron's video on Youtube next to his earlier video.
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Cameron: Hello, my name is Cameron. I was recently offered the chance to make five million dollars, and all I had to do was push a button, and commit murder. I didn't stop to think that if I did it, I might be next on the chopping block. To my shame I pushed the button, and now I am going to be killed by the next person to push this button. This message is for the person who killed me. By now you know that you are next on the chopping block. You will not be able to enjoy your new fortune because the fear will be too great. Know that I take no pleasure in the fact that you are suffering, I have no right to judge you. I forgive you. You might take some comfort in trying to persuade others not to push the button, it helps believe me. I guess we'll see each other soon.
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James sat in his apartment, not entirely certain what came next. There was a knock on the door, and to his surprise it was Arlington Steward.
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Arlington: May I come in?
James: Sure. Why are you here?
Arlington: I am curious as to why you posted Cameron's video?
James: She wanted me too. Hopefully it can convince others to refuse your offer.
Arlington: Cameron was your friend, was she not?
James: Yes, she was.
Arlington: So why not let someone avenge her, and kill the person who killed Cameron?
James: Because this would never end. Are you threatening me to stop?
Arlington: I never threatened you.
James: You said not to get further involved, for my own sake.
Arlington: I didn't want you to waste your time trying to save people who cannot be saved, people who do not deserve your mercy.
James: I know of at least one guy who didn't push the button because of what Cameron and I did.
Arlington: Also two women who did not push the button because of what you did. They didn't call you but they saw your video and refused to push the button.
James: So clearly we did some good. And I'm going to keep doing this. And if the person who killed Cameron, or the person who killed them, calls me and asks for my help I'll give it to them.
Arlington: You can do that, but someone will always push the button eventually.
James: Maybe, but there will always be those who refuse. And maybe I can convince the middle ground how bad that would be for them.
Arlington: This will be interesting.