Disclaimer: The characters, places, and events are fictitious and a product of author's imagination. Bold statements are the dialogue in the whole story.
Route place, please? The taxi driver asked the two passengers who just rode in his taxi.
The passengers looked like a couple in their 25-30s. They are both wet because of the pouring rain. It was already 11:00 pm and the couple were still on the road.
The guy is wearing a black shirt and leather while the girl is wearing a white sando with some traces of dirt. She is also wearing a black leather to cover his body from the cold weather.
Sta. Carolina Street, sir. The guy answered the taxi driver. The driver drove in the middle of the rain. It is hard to see the road because of the wet windshield.
While driving on the road, the driver noticed that the girl was always looking in his eye through the rear mirror. She has a weird look, it is like she is calling for help.
Something wrong? the driver asked but the guy looked at him.
What? the guy said. Ah you guys okay? Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable? the driver said to the guy.
The couple looked to each other.
Uhh...nothing. It is just we are tired, you know we were on a whole day shift. We have not slept yet. They guy replied with an awkward smile.
The driver looked at him through the mirror, staring at the guy. Okay sure, I think you guys really need a rest. The driver replied. But he is not satisfied with the guy's answer. His gut feeling says something is wrong.
After the short conversation, the guy is acting weird. Holding the girl's hand tightly. He looks so obsessed.
Time passed and they arrived on the street. The guy gave the card for the bill and paid for the ride. Thank you. The driver said.
The couple went to the narrow passage, probably the way to their house.
The driver was ready to drive home when he saw a small paper on the backseat. He immediately grabbed it. There is something written on it.
Step Back
by: Douglas Manchester
IFMQ
Sta. Carolina Street #9406 New York City.
Those are written on the paper. It looks like a simple pamphlet with a poem title on top by the famous poet in the world, Douglas Manchester.
But he finds the next words and letters in the paper, IFMQ and the address. It is the street where he is right now and the given address by the couple.
What is IFMQ? he asked himself.
He stayed in silence for 10 minutes...he was thinking patiently.
He snapped his finger when he realized something. I knew it. He told himself.
The title Step Back is the clue.
I-H
F-E
M-L
Q-P
When you step back from the alphabet, I will be H, F will be E, M will be L, and Q will be P. It says HELP.
After decoding, he immediately looked at the address. He assumed that the number is the house number where they are going. The girl is in danger. He said to himself.
From the very start, he noticed something strange between the two.
He is now in front of the house. He is about to know when the door opens. He is shocked when the two guns are now pointing at his head.
He now has a confused look. The girl is also pointing a gun on his head, both of them.
The two laughed at each other. You think I am in danger? the girl asked the driver with her devilish smile. You ***** it was all set up.
We make it look like I am the victim so you will follow us. It is risky because you can call the cops before going here but we got lucky, you even cracked the code by yourself.
The girl told the truth then both of them laughed. The driver can't do anything but to give his hard earned money. The keys? the guy asked.
What keys? The driver replied. The keys on your taxi, old man. the two laughed again.
He gave the keys and the two ran away from him. Nothing is coming out to his mouth, he is still in shock.
The two rode on his taxi leaving him alone in the rain. He was dumbfounded and he will never forget this epic case of being a detective.
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Well, well done, @theimpostor. The taxi drive was tricked and along with him the reader. You did skillful job of leading us down that alley also. Fortunately, we don't have a wallet or taxi to lose.
Very entertaining. Keep it up!
Thank you! I am happy that everyone in this community appreciate my work.
Although we do not have wallet or taxi to lose, we have crypto to lose haha! Just kidding.
We, the readers, are urprised at the end of your story, and even though the outcome is not pleasant, we smile. You have skillfully navigated your way through the narrative.
Thank you for sharing your writing with us and appreciate that you support other writers.
Keep writing!
Thank you, appreciated. Although the ending is unexpected, I hope you like the plot of the story.
I am always thankful:)
Excellent story, @theimpostor. Those two are not only criminals, but good actors. I would have done the same thing as the taxi driver!
Thank you! I hope you like the story and the plot twist of my story. Poor driver, he just did his part as samaritan but ended up in being hi jacked.
!LUV
@theimpostor(1/1) gave you LUV.