The Bag - Reward
A Story Every Day in 2024 May 24th 145/366
This story links to these that went before it: The Bag; Jason's Dilemma; The Girl; Jason and The Girl; The Skewered Apple; Girl, Disrupted which you may want to read for context.
*
Jason got up from the bench. He felt the eyes of the guard on him, like prickles. Another train arrived and Jason was soon caught up in the steady stream of workers, heading out of the station. As he was carried along, he texted Jo at work:
-I won't be in today. Sorry. Vomiting and feel really bad
A lie but it wasn't like he wasn't a hard worker. Jo could cut him some slack. He sent it and, holding the bag to his chest, went up the stairs from the platform to street level. His phone dinged. Jo.
-🤮 Hope u feel better soon.
He felt guilty. This morning was throwing him off and he didn't like it but he didn't know what other option he had. His gut was telling him that he was going to have pursue this further. It was too weird not to. For now, his priority was getting off the street, so that he wasn't seen by anyone from work. He liked Jo and working for her and he didn't want to lose his job. He just needed a day, he thought.
Like most things, this was just the entry into the rabbithole.
He moved away from his office in the direction of Close Street. He had time to kill. Best research "The Skewered Apple", see what he could find out. He needed to have a good look through the bag too.
Coffee shop. That's what he needed. A Waterstone's bookstore was ahead, its board said "Café open". Perfect.
Having got a coffee, he sat and got out his phone. He Googled "The Skewered Apple". It looked a lively place: bands, speed dating, quiz night. Pretty standard. He scrolled a little more. Pictures showing people having a good time. He didn't dwell on these. He looked at connected posts that had come up.
There was one that piqued his interest. 'Last seen at "The Skewered Apple"'. He clicked. And was rewarded.
Missing. It was her. The girl.
***
366 words
So, if she's missing, does this mean that people are looking for her? Jason will go to "The Skewered Apple" but should he go there alone?
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
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Comments (10)
Catching up....
I wonder who misses the missing girl?
Wondering if he gleans more from the article and what other clues the bag might contain if he intends to investigate it further! Definitely feels like Jason is on Level 23 and the girl needs him on Level 100 so good thing he’s taking the day off!
Logically, he should not go to the Skewered Apple alone. Sort of like warning a character not to go in that room in a horror movie. Therefore it is imperative that he go alone! You’re rockin this series, Rachel! Loving it!
Last seen by who? Doing what? Leaving with whom? So many questions! A well-wrought answer is forthcoming, I'm sure!
Hmmm… the Missing Poster clearly indicates someone has missed The Girl, but just how seriously they’re searching is the question. I’d be happier if Jason had some backup with him, but who? Risky involving Jo & we don’t know of any other options. Awaiting next episode with bated breath.😳
Oh let’s go! This is so good. Poor old Jason. Feel like he might not be going back to work for a while!
Of course, he goes alone. Who would believe his story besides, he doesn't want to look like a fool if nothing develops. Also, this has become personal for him. Just my take.
Okay so she's been missing. But why did she fade away, why was Jason's name in her book, like whyyyyy everythinggggg 😭😭😭😭😭 I'm sorry, I'm just not dealing well with the suspense today 😅😅
This gripping continuation keeps the suspense high as Jason navigates the mystery. Discovering that the girl is missing adds a compelling twist, prompting the crucial question of whether Jason should investigate "The Skewered Apple" alone.