The Call Pt3

“So, Amelia, you say the phone was there prior to your occupation of the unit?” The detective was handsome with her green eyes, flowing dark long hair and permanently upturned corners of her mouth giving off a friendly appearance. It didn’t take much to imagine them turned down.

“That’s right”

“I see. And it didn’t seem odd to you, the calls starting?”

“Why look a gift horse straight on? Desperation and financial troubles in a system designed to keep one poor really does something to the decision maker” I tap my temple with my pointer to fill the space where a chuckle should be. 

“I can see how that could cloud judgement. What was the nature of these calls?”

“It wasn’t chatty. Coordinates followed by directions would lead to a prize. Cash in my minimal experience”

“I see. It seems you aren’t alone in receiving these calls but each individual was given what they desired most.”

“Wait, there are more?!”

“That’s correct. Many it seems. How many times did you answer the call?”

A pause throttles my anxiety. 

“How many?… three times now. What do you mean by what they desired most?” my voice quivered tainted with shame. 

“What did the voice sound like?” She evades my question with grace.

If I closed my eyes I could imagine myself at the rotary. 

“Raspy, clouded and synthesized but with even keeled cadence. It was always direct in a way that quelled fears.”

“Interesting. To drop the charges of laundering, we’ll need you to pickup the phone again.”

“And if I don’t?” The officer’s head cocked to the side as if she didn’t hear me. Her eyes glimmered with delight at trumping my defiance. 

“And if I don’t help?” I repeat.

“It’s not an option. This is the only option between you and a cell.”

I barreled out of the station, my face bruised in blush. I was embarrassed, confused and concerned. I knew I had no choice in the matter, and that I had to partake in the sting. What I didn’t know was what to expect on the other line as it seemed no one had information about the caller.