Jack In The Box

Riley

That afternoon I didn’t go for Maddy’s funeral reception. I just wasn’t ready to walk into that house and remember that horrific night when I’d found her body in the bath tub. Instead I drove my brother there and decided to meet Ezra and tell him about the text message. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Ken because I knew he’d blow a gasket and put me under house arrest.

And that’s probably exactly what the killer wanted. If I was scared enough to stay home, there was a high possibility he’d pick the lock and the next thing, I’d be face down in a tub filled with my own blood with my throat slit open.

I couldn’t let that happen.

I drove back home, changed out of my black dress and decided to meet Ezra. Paul had promised to meet me and Ezra at the station. I was surprised he was acting so co-operative. Then again, his life was on the line too.

Paul had beaten me to the chase. He was already seated in the diner with Ezra and Agent Flint Knight. Agent Scott was missing. Since Agent Flint and Ezra were seated beside each other, I had no choice but to sit beside Paul in the booth. It was weird because we'd spent the better half of the year hating each other’s guts and now we were forced to play allies all of a sudden.

“Riley, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend.” Ezra said sincerely.

I nodded. He continued, “You wanted to tell me something.”

I looked at Paul and then at Flint. “I thought I’d tell you about it in private. It’s something that I don’t want to disclose in front of everyone.”

Ezra’s gaze shifted towards Paul and back at me. He knew what I was talking about. “Alright.” He left his seat and stood up. “If you don’t mind, gentlemen, I’d like to talk to Riley more privately. No offence.”

“None taken.” Flint said.

Ezra led me farther away from the booth. We rounded around the corner and I pulled out my phone and showed the text to Ezra. “I received this text right after the funeral.”

Ezra stared at the phone but didn’t react. It was hard to decipher what he was actually thinking because one couldn’t read his expressions. “I think the killer’s trying to put us on the wrong trail.”

“So you think the message is a hoax?”

“Not exactly a hoax, but more of a diversion. The killer wants us, the police force and the agents to focus on you so he could take someone else as a victim.”

I had never thought of that!

“Either way, we can't risk to think he won't be coming after you. There's a fifty-fifty chance it's the truth or absolute bull."

I hugged myself. “I think he’s coming for me.”

Ezra got hold of my shoulders, looking me straight in the eye he said, “Riley, I will never let him hurt you, I promise. I know that if Jack was awake, he’d want to protect you and I’m going to do that in his stead.”

“I’m not afraid, Ezra.” I said.

“I can see why my brother has fallen in love with you.”

I blushed. “I hope he wakes up soon.”

“I do too, but I know that if and when he does, there’s going to be chaos. He would be questioned for Brady Wolfe’s murder and he could be the killer’s next target because he knows his identity.”

So Jack’s best option was to stay in a coma?

He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s head back to our seats.”

Paul told them the same story that he’d told me, about how Aaron had made excuses the night Maddy was murdered and had been seen cleaning his muddy shoes later in the closed hospital section. He was also not present at the funeral, so where exactly was Dr. Aaron Shaw?

“Have you tried calling his cell?” Flint asked.

“I haven’t.” Paul replied.

“The forensics team searched every corner of the house, checked if they found any finger prints or a DNA sample and came up empty except for Riley’s finger prints in certain areas.” Flint concluded, picking up the menu and leafing through it casually.

“Are you suspecting me?” I asked Flint.

I’m just stating

was still

careful. About Aaron Shaw, we don’t have much evidence against him to rule him out as the killer yet, we need solid proof. As disappointing as it sounds, Dr.

understand, Agent.” Paul said. “I

conversation, she was cheerful than usual and her eyes lingered on

cheese, chicken wings dipped in hot sauce,

be all.” Flint said closing

stared at him in confusion.

that would be enough for the four of us.” Flint said in

my order. And I

hanging open in surprise. The waitress was as confused as the rest of us seated at the table. Flint said quickly, “In that case, I’ll just have a classic cheeseburger

a moment later. “Uh...I’ll have a Russian

want to substitute a healthy lunch for something unhealthy for a change.” And then he added devilishly, “Seeing as the situation is, you may not live long enough to eat what you actually want. One should die

hear that, Dr. Bennett. Ezra has a very dry sense of humor.”

at me in wonder. I guess they hadn’t heard me laugh or seen me smile since quite a long time. Ezra was obviously teasing Paul and

my order. I’ll have two chicken grilled sandwiches, chili jack and cheddar cheese omelet with sausage at the side. Carrot cake and a

obvious triumph. I couldn’t help but smile

like, Miss?” The waitress asked, scribbling

I said, waving my

The waitress beamed, obviously in a good mood. She walked back to the kitchen, swaying

no fun.” Ezra teased

your trap.

“A monster resides in everyone. It’s just a matter of choice when

“Wise words.” Flint said.

the eighties. It played Take on me by A-ha. I really liked that song a lot. The diner had the

served approximately twenty minutes later. They had to join two tables to accommodate the amount of food we’d ordered. It was like a feast. The owner of the diner, a sweet old lady approached our table and asked us

because these wings...” Ezra sighed,

old lady’s eyes lit up. “How old are

“Twenty-seven.” Ezra answered dutifully.

good humor. “If

like this, someone

aren’t even married, dipshit.”

show some fucking respect here, please.” Ezra said. “I’m technically your

that

if you’re done flirting with the gentlemen.” A cute girl looking like the younger version

twenty-four.” Mrs. Danbury added. “And people

The girl called out, her

“Is this the usual amount of food

“Got a problem?”

the calories.”

enough for the killer to get to him. The food’s going to

“I agree.” I said.

his right hand towards Flint who

polished off our meals, we were served homemade apple pie which was on the house. Ezra had impressed Mrs. Danbury with his smooth tongue which was very typical of the Wolfe twins. I couldn’t believe how miserable I’d been until this morning, and right now it all felt so normal again like the murders weren’t happening, as if

and then at the two, “Agents, if you’ve asked all the questions you’ve wanted to,

time, Dr. Bennett. If you see anything remotely suspicious, I assume you would come down to the station.” Ezra

share of the meal, but Ezra waved it away. “Thanks for the treat.” Paul then

“Bye.”

he sat down in his Toyota SUV and backed out of the parking lot

think, Flint? Is

would kill people. He’s a bully for

“Riley?”