Framed in Shadows

Jackson’s phone rang at 4:30 PM, Henry’s name flashing across the screen. His heart leaped into his throat as he answered.

“Hello? Henry?”

“Mr. Hayes,” Henry’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I’ve found something. Something about Mrs. Blackwood that changes everything. But I can’t tell you over the phone. Can you come to my place?”

Jackson was already grabbing his keys. “Of course. Just send me your address.”

“I’ll text it to you right away. Please hurry – and make sure you weren’t followed.”

The drive to Henry’s apartment complex on the city’s outskirts felt like torture. Every yellow light he caught, every slow-moving car in front of him seemed to conspire against his urgency. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the streets as he pulled into the parking lot of a modest three-story building.

He opened his car door and stepped out.

Henry’s apartment was on the ground floor, unit 103. Jackson noticed the door was slightly ajar, which sent a chill down his spine.

“Henry?”