Case # 88 by Gary Martinsky (little red riding hood read aloud TXT) 📗

skeptical. “You mentioned you were writing for a local newspaper. What’s your beat? What kind of articles do you write?”

“Well… I wanted to sound more legit when I told you that. I’m not actually working for a newspaper. I’m writing a blog. But I have a few thousand subscribers!” Alexa added hastily, seeing Finn’s eyes glazing over. “Look, we’re meeting with Dr. Trussel in a few hours. He actually worked on the project! That’s how I found out about it. He stumbled upon my blog.”

Finn leaned in for a closer look at Alexa’s phone. She was scrolling through articles on a standard blogging website, probably built using a basic template. “The Neighborhood Watch,” the site’s banner proclaimed rather proudly. Most of the articles seemed to be about shady government-related activity. They weren’t the most outlandish conspiracy theories, like Chemtrails or Lizard People, but more down-to-earth subjects, like black budget projects, corrupt military officials, red flag operations, etc. Sources were credited at the bottom of each article, and, as far as Finn could tell from a quick glance, the claims seemed to be thoroughly argued and well-presented.

“Okay.” Finn was a little more convinced now. It was enough to at least give her a shot. “Where do we meet Dr. Trussel?”

Alexa opened her mouth to answer, but the sudden vibration of Finn’s phone interrupted them.

Sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. Got caught up at work. I’ll see you at the memorial tonight at 9. Be careful, Finn.

Finally, Finn thought. He’d been starting to worry about Doug, but it looked like he was still on the case after all. And, from the sound of it, he had some valuable intel to share.

“Looks like our plans just changed.” Finn stood up. “I have to go meet my ex-coworker. Good cop. Sounds like he’s got something important for me. How about you go meet the doctor, and I’ll catch up with Doug?”

“You sure about that?” Alexa seemed worried. “What if it’s a trap?”

“Doug’s a good friend. We go way back. And I doubt that whoever is after me is looking for you too. We weren’t followed here, so we can meet up here again later. Right now, I need to hear what Doug has to share.”

Alexa reluctantly agreed. Finn was already on his way out, wishing her good luck with her rendezvous with Dr. Trussel.

Central Park was already shrouded in peaceful darkness as Finn approached John Lennon’s memorial. And indeed, a familiar figure was pacing back and forth, occasionally stopping by the circle with the word IMAGINE in the center.

“What took you so long, buddy?” Finn waved as he approached.

“Good evening, Finn.” Doug turned to face him, lifting his right arm as he did so.

A metallic clicking sound made Finn freeze in his tracks. “I’m sorry, friend,” said Doug. “It’s for your own good. You’ll have to come with me now.”

Finn stared in disbelief as his best friend since the police academy aimed a gun at him, approaching slowly, a pair of handcuffs shining in his hands. “It’s okay, they told me everything. I know that everything that happened is not your fault. There are people here who want to help you. You’ll get better!” Doug cocked the gun and extended his arm. “Just come with me. Please don’t resist.”

Finn was still trying to make sense of the surreal situation when he felt a sudden stinging pain in his shoulder, and the world lost its solidity and melted into oblivion. All he could see was flashing red and blue lights as multiple hands bound him to a stretcher. “Good job, boys! Let’s pack him up and get outta here.”

Finn woke up still feeling pain from the apparent concussion. He looked around slowly, the white room coming into focus with all its beeping electronics. This was a hospital of some sort. He was struck by an alarming realization as he sat up. He was not alone.

“Good evening, Mr. Peterson. My name is Dr. Russo. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Chapter Five

Dr. Trussel was pacing angrily around his surprisingly spacious camping van. It was a peculiar vehicle, combining his living quarters with a fully equipped science lab.

“I can’t believe you had Finn Peterson, and you let him go! Such a shame, Miss Ramirez! Such a shame!”

“Look. I’m sorry, Doctor. But I didn’t exactly have a choice! He ran off to meet his friend before I could say anything….”

“I know, I know.” Dr. Trussel sat down opposite Alexa, rubbing his forehead. “I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. But he doesn’t know the kind of people he’s dealing with. We have to find a way to get him to safety. He’s in grave danger!”

Finn was sitting up in the bed, watching Dr. Russo write in his notepad.

“Let’s start at the beginning, Mr. Peterson. Or do you prefer Finn?”

“With all due respect, I’d prefer you get to the point, Doctor.” Finn didn’t trust Dr. Russo one bit. The guy’s shifty eyes made him look like a snake trying to mesmerize its prey before springing in an attack. But to get out of here, Finn needed to find out as much as possible about his current situation.

“Now, now, Finn. I know it can be hard to swallow. Trust me, I work with guys like you all the time—a regrettable situation. But don’t worry. The first step is recognizing there’s a problem. After that, we have all kinds of well-tested treatment plans in this facility, and we’ll do our best to help you.”

“Meaning?” Finn felt like he knew where Dr. Russo was going with this, but he wanted to let him speak as much as possible.

“You’re sick, Finn.” Dr. Russo paused, studying Finn’s face. “Don’t believe me, do you?” He opened a folder of documents and photos. “Well, don’t worry. It’ll all become clear to you soon.” He began placing several images, one after another, in front of Finn.

Finn looked in disbelief as he recognized his parents’ house in a few of the larger printouts, except that now it was engulfed