The Old Flashlight

Chapter 10

Joe could hear his heartbeat in his ears. He was nervous but excited, all at the same time. He followed Avery out of the door, both running to his car. He cranked the engine, hearing the old Ford Cortina turn over then start. Joe looked at Avery for a moment, then continued looking forward. He put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway as fast as he could, then he put it in drive. He drove down the street, then stopped.

"Where exactly is this place you think Jackie is?" Joe asked, looking at Avery. He watched as she pulled papers out of her coat. She handed him a drawing of a house. He scanned the paper, looking for an address.

"It's 417 Wilveer street." Avery said. Joe nodded, then continued driving. He drove onto Wilveer street, slowing down to get a better look at all of the houses.

412...413...414...415...416...418. Wait, there's no 417.

Joe parked the car, getting out to look at the houses. He saw house 416, then he looked at the drawing. House 416 looked identical to house 417, according to the drawing. He walked over to the house and looked at it. He saw the tree, the same clear door with a mahogany door belind it. The old, breaking gutters, and the same lightning bolt-shaped crack on the driveway. Joe got back into the car, Avery doing the same. Joe drove to the police station, ready to tell someone what he's figured out.

"Hello. What can we do for you today?" the police officer asked. "Hello. I wanted to report something. I think that I've figured out where The Man has been keeping his victims." Joe said, feeling like a weight was lifted off his chest.

As soon as he said that, all of the police officers ran to get their coats on and ran out the door. Joe was startled by the sudden movements, but followed after them, heading out of the door.

"Where is this house?" one of the officers asked. "The address is 416 Wilveer street. It's about five minutes away." Joe said, going to his car. "Alright, lead us. We'll follow you." the officer said, all other ones getting into their cars. He led them to the house, all of the police officers get out of their cars and head around the house. Joe stood at the gate, chewing on his nails while Avery sat on the curb, her head placed in her hands. Joe watched impatiently as the officers broke into the house and looked around. He started to replay all of his memories with Jackie, praying to wherever God above him that she was alright.

"Sir? Are you listening?" one of the officers asked. Joe blinked and looked at the officer. "No, sorry. What did you say?" Joe asked. "I said we didn't find any people, but we found body parts of previous victims. But we will continue to look for the children." Joe felt tears in his eyes, letting them fall freely. His knees gave out, making him collapse on the road. If he had paid any attention, he would've seen that Avery had got up and left, and then he would've paid attention to how all of the officers were turned around.

"I found the house! I know where they are! It's the house behind 418. That's where The Man keeps his victims!" Avery screamed, watching as all of the officers ran to the house, breaking down the door and the windows.

Joe looked up and saw the officers run to the house, getting himself off the ground to go as well. He walked to the porch and stood in front of it. He was too busy waiting to see Jackie come out to notice George walking up to him and standing beside him.