I’ll Connect You

Written for VJ’s Weekly Challenge #122 – the phone call.

   "This is the operator, I have a collect call from John Doe, do you accept the charges?"

Sarah was trying to decide what to do.  She didn't know a John Doe.  She didn't know anyone by the name of John period.

   "Do you accept the charges, mam?"

Her curiosity got the better of her and she said "Yes, I'll accept the charges" feeling as though she was about to get punched in the gut.

   "Hello", Sarah said apprehensively.

   "Hi Sarah, it's me Charlie".

   "Charlie, why did you tell the operator you were John Doe? Why are you calling me collect and how did you know I'd accept the charges anyway?.

   "Listen, I don't have much time. I will explain everything when I see you, but for now, I need you to go into your study. Go to the 3rd bookcase and take down "Moby Dick".

"What? Why?", Sarah headed to her study while asking impatiently for answers. As she entered into the room, the sun was shining from the double windows and like a beacon lit up the bookshelf that held the book.  "Okay, I've got it, now what?".

   "Turn to page 128 and read off the numbers that are marked on the page".

Sarah was totally confused. "Numbers?"

   "Yes, I need you to read off those numbers and quickly".

Sarah read off the random numbers. Charlie verified them by reading them back. Sarah acknowledged he had read them back correctly. She was about to ask more questions when Charlie cut her off before anything else came out of her mouth.

   "Thanks! Gotta go! By the way...this conversation never happened and burn the book!"

WORK OF FICTION BY LISA COLEMAN