enemies in new york

An excerpt from a short detective story

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS

The distinct smell of tobacco floated gently around the room. A great, barrel-shaped man sat across from Jennifer. Her legs dangled off the stiff bar stool, while his feet sat firmly on the sticky, beer-stainedfloor.Twoglassesfilled with whiskey and ice condensed as they rested upon the thick, wooden table. One glass barely skimmed Jennifer's lips, and the other touched an auburn moustache multipletimes.Themanallowedthe last of the bitter liquid to fall down his throat. “How are you, Jen? It feels like forever since we last talked.”

Jennifer inhaled slowly. “I’m well, Mr Kegg,consideringI'vebeenworking on a dreadful farm for the last 6 months,” she retorted. This remark made the man burst his mouth open and let out a broad cackle, putting his hands over his ridiculouslylargestomach.“You'llbe pleased to know we have a new mission for you: New York City. We suspect there will be an import of exotic animals coming in sometime around the 15th. We need you to go undercoverandgetinformation.”

A forced smile appeared on Jennifer's face, as her heart began to run. Her whiskey was then drunk inagulp.

~

The moonlight struck brilliantly as Jennifer walked around the lively but lonely streets of New York City. Ashershoesgentlycollidedwiththe footpath, the wind nipped through the air sharply. She looked up into the sunless, dark blanket with scattered stars that covered her, and a dull ache began to form in her head. In a sudden realisation, her eyes began darting about in different directions, trying to make sense of where she was. “Can someone help me, where am I?” Jennifer mouthed the words, but no noise escaped. Bright, flashing lights deprived her of sense, and strange figures danced around her now kneeling body. The numbing and hardconcretebruisedherkneecaps, herearscoveredbyshakingfingers. Jennifer stood up, trying to not let the madness trickle into her now fragilemind.

~

In the vibrant café, Michael Kegg gave an innocent smile. “How have you liked New York, Jen? Haven’t been in any dark alleyways, have you?”. Jennifer turned to Michael. Sudden flashbacks of the scene in the alleyway were conceived in her mind. How did he know? Paranoid thoughtsinsideherbrainturnedinto whispers. Enemy!Hewasfollowing you,Jennifer!You’renotsafe! She knewnow:itwasatrap.