#AtoZChallenge 2022 – Time to Act – This is Another Story

Contain strong language, please be advised.

“How?” Ethan asks.

Micky stares blankly at him, “How what?” He isn’t stupid, he knows exactly what Ethan is asking. He just want to drag this out for as long as he can.

“How are you going to help us?” Charlie says, agitated.

Micky sighs, feeling resigned. Worst mistake I’ve made on this assignment, he mentally chides. “Follow me. I have an idea.” They follow him down several corridors, impressed he can get around the mansion with such ease, until they stop in front of a black wooden door. “Wait here,” he orders.

Once inside his bedroom, the room he’s been residing for the last seven months, Micky pulls out a black cellphone from beneath his mattress. Taking a deep breath, he taps on the only contact on the phone. It rings three times before a deep voice answers, “Yes.”

“It’s me.” Micky says quietly.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in. Took you long enough to check in, Chavez, what have you been doing, soaking in his hot tub to the point you don’t want to get out?” His supervisor almost screams.

“No, sir. There hasn’t been anything happening until now.”

“Oh, who are bullshitting, Chavez? You don’t think I only assigned you to this case, did you?” His supervisor sighs. “But I’m glad to know you haven’t been compromised like the others. Now, what have you got for me?”

“Five civilians were admitted as guests yesterday. One has been taken as this morning after she saw something in one of the rooms. The other four suspect there’s something going on and need my help to locate their fellow guest.”

“And do you know where that guest has been taken?”

“The cellar, I believe.”

“Can you confirm?”

“Unfortunately, I cannot but I do know there’s not much time. Hitchcock is going to strike again and I have definite confirmation he’s going to go after the other four guests.”

“Understood.” His supervisor acknowledges. “I will deploy agents to your location. Meanwhile, Chavez, stay put, protect the civilians, use force if must, and don’t do anything stupid.”