Taylor plugs the device into his laptop and explores the files. Organized into dates. Nice. Taylor thinks to himself before looking at the last date. Nice. It's within the timeframe. He thinks before clicking on the date in question. He opens the file and plays the video at 10x speed, his mind processing the minimal information.
He takes note of each of the passerby's until eventually he spots Amelia. She was walking with a man who matched Robert's description. It wasn't long before they moved past the camera. Taylor sighs and watches for Robert to come back, not hoping for much.
Taylor continues to watch but there was nothing else. Robert didn’t walk by again. Fuck. Taylor exclaims in his mind.
Taylor rewinds a bit to around when Amelia and Robert walk by then watches the scene again, looking for anything he missed. A moment passes and Taylor’s eyes widen and he quickly pauses the video and adjust it to the correct place. There’s the bastard. Taylor thinks. It was blurry, but the guy had the same jacket. He was sitting on the back of a taxi. Taylor quickly records the license plate and smiles.
…
…
“Thank you for calling Speedy Taxi. Service in several of our coverage areas is currently delayed. Service may take up to 3 hours for arrival. If you are calling to hail a cab, please press 1. For all other inquiries, please press 2.” An automated voice says over the phone.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Taylor presses 2.
“Transferring your call. Please wait a moment.” The voice says before transitioning to a light and gentle music.
“This is Gary from Speedy Taxi. How can I help you?” Another voice says over the phone.
“Ugh, I’m calling about a cab. This guy got a cab one night, after that, never heard from him again. Just looking for answers.” Taylor says over the phone, speaking frankly.
“I hear you, dude. The world is fucked right now. The world is ending and I’m still working as customer service. If anything, that’s hilarious by itself.” Gary says with a chuckle. “I’m not really supposed to do this but I can look up the cab for you. The world’s ending anyway; I don’t think anyone cares about the rules anymore. Do you have like a license plate or something?” He asks casually.
“Yeah, man. Just a sec.” Taylor says before reading out the license plate he recorded.
“Alright. Just give me a moment.” Gary says as the sounds of typing resound over the phone. “Damn man. Says here the cab driver is dead. Should’ve expected that, I guess. Did you want his last destination? It says here he arrived, but the poor bugger never made it back.” Gary says with a jaded outlook.
“Yeah, man. That’d be great. Thanks.” Taylor says as he takes out a pen and paper.
“246 Lion Den Road.” Gary says before letting out a chuckle. “Maybe the dude got mauled by a lion. To be honest, I wouldn’t even be surprised.” He says, amused.
Taylor smiles. “Maybe. And thanks man. Have a good one.” Taylor says before moving to end the call.
“Hey, ugh, just a moment friend. Think you could help a dude out? Courtesy tip for some courtesy service?” Gary asks, a little hopeful. “It’s not that I want to be a dick. It’s just that, with the way the world is right now, every little bit helps, you know.” He explains.
Taylor smiles. “Yeah, man. No worries. What’s your email? I’ll transfer over a thank-you bonus.” Taylor says, amused. Seek and ye shall find. Ain’t that ever the truth. He comments.