Part One:

Jay

“Do you remember, Jay?”

Chapter One

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Jay simultaneously loved and hated his job. On one hand, he was able to help people. On the other hand, he has watched a lot of people die. He has been with his company for a very long time - way too long, he thought. The only reason they have kept him over the years is because of his skillset. Most people in this world couldn’t comprehend the things Jay can do. Not being born naturally like all others on this green earth, he can do things most everyone can’t. In his eyes, being a big part of this company meant he was doing good for once. Before he joined the team, he was sickening. This was his only chance to change that. To change how everyone saw him: a monster.

Over the years he has aged like a fine wine. Not to say he looks amazing - he doesn't. It’s just the fact that his looks haven’t changed much over a long time. Except for the occasional new scar. Other than that, he had black wavy hair and had a very light complexion. He is of average height and average weight. Everything about him yelled ‘average’ but he was very far from it. Looks don’t make someone a monster, it’s their soul that does. Jay used to believe he has lost it but everything he does now is to make up for it. While on the job he always wore his all black suit with his black and round rimmed glasses. To be fair, it’s all he ever wore. No one remembers the last time they saw him in some different type of clothing. That suit was a part of him. There are few things in this world he loved and his suit and car were two of those things.

His personality is a very strange entity in itself. For as long as he can remember, he has been the worst person to ever exist. But now he’s changing it. He now tried to help people and it made him feel like he was redeeming himself. From the outside it doesn't look like that though. He is still pretty short and rude to everyone. That wasn’t his fault though, he was made like that. Deep down he knew he would never be able to change but something made him keep trying.

As for now, he sits in his office. The office is of decent size but always dark because of the fact Jay never has the blinds open. Very few things actually occupied his office. That being; A bookcase, his chair, a desk, two other chairs in front of his desk and a lamp on his desk. He was told multiple times he could decorate it however he wanted but he never accepted. Another thing that was in his office wasn’t quite a decoration rather than a luxury; his alcohol. From the years of drinking, he gained a very high tolerance. Either way he still drank because it still gave him a buzz. Just like when it came to decorating his office; he was told multiple times to not drink on the job but he also didn’t accept that.

While leaning back in his chair staring at his laptop screen, there was a knock at his office door. He acknowledged that someone knocked but refused to get up or let them know he was there. After a second series of knocks it was followed by a soft “it’s me”.

Jay got up to let her in. Her being his boss, Allison. He looked her up and down and said ‘hello’ as if he was disgusted with the thought of someone being near him. She didn’t say anything in reply and instead walked past him to one of the seats facing his desk. She sat down and waited for Jay to do the same. He wanted to make a sassy remark but forced himself not to.

“I got a case for you. It’s one that has your name written all over it.” She said.

“It seems all cases have my name on it as of recently.” He replied while sitting at his desk.

Most cases were usually sent via text or email but Jay always refused to check those. He loved the internet and electronics but hated getting messages from people. Because of that, most of his cases had to be handed to him in person. Not only in person but by his boss, Allison. Once an intern of Allison’s handed him a case and the intern returned to Allison with a new cut on his face. Jay later said it was because the intern was snarky and needed to ‘learn his place’. Allison then informed him that she was, in fact, the one that sent the poor intern to hand him the case. For the sake of everyone's safety and mental sanity, Allison decided to hand over his work herself.

“Artifact. Titled ‘Necklace of Binding’ from the original documents. Only thing really known about it is the fact that it will protect the wearer by binding their enemies' mouths and eyes shut. From what’s on the record, there’s no reversing it. Oh, and we believe a friend of yours is in town.” Allison looked at Jay with an unfriendly look.

“I’m guessing an artifact thief.” Jay said.

“Artifact thief.”

The company calls them artifact thieves but Jay calls them assholes. They are exactly as named, they go to areas that are believed to have an artifact and steal it. Sometimes they keep it for themselves or sell it to the highest bidder. Jay has run into a few of them in his years of working there. It was safe to say that Jay and these thieves didn’t get along. Normally he wouldn’t hate them - in fact he would probably support them. But this was his job now and he wouldn’t let anyone ruin it. Even though it was his job, he still tried anything to not end up killing them. Some of them really weren’t that bad when it came to their personality. Some of them even used to be his friends back then.

“Do you know which one?” He asked.

“Not sure but it’s just a rumor for now. I just suggest keeping an eye out while you’re there.”

She handed him the usual manila folder full of what he needed. The past records of the artifact, pictures and any details regarding the artifacts location. As he flipped through he came across the documented photo. He thought it was quite pretty even though it could do what it could do. It had an ordinary silver chain but the special part of it was the big topaz that it held. The topaz looked as if it were honey with the yellow and dark yellow mix. As for its location, it was currently held in a small town called Edgewood. There were pictures of the town as well. Quite a few actually. Half of them were of a small and pretty town, the other half was the same town but now. Apparently for a while the town has been falling apart. Some of the buildings looked completely abandoned and overgrown. Jay wondered what could’ve caused this to happen so quickly. And how come no one on the outside has noticed? Surely it would’ve made news by now.

“The person you will be focusing on will be the sheriff. As you can see in the file, it was his daughter that found the necklace. From what we know, she hasn’t told anyone about it.” Allison stated.

“Is that all?” Jay asked as if he were annoyed already. Which was partially true. He had all the details in front of him, what use was talking still?

“Well, actually I have something else. The trainees are graduating soon and I want you to make a speech to-”

“No.” His favorite reply.

“You were their influence while studying. They look up to you. I’ll give you some time to think about it.” She got up and went to the door. “They would really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, yeah” He replied. He walked to the door with her and opened it for her. The second she was outside the room, he closed the door.

An artifact in a small rundown town. Found by the sheriff's daughter. Strange things are happening to said town and townsfolk unrelated to the necklace. He always silently appreciated the more complicated cases since he thought everyone else were too incompetent to solve them. Now was his time to get serious and look into it fully.

Like stated before, the necklace was found by the sheriff’s daughter. One day while the daughter - named Emily - was walking through the woods surrounding her house, she came across a stump with that unique yellow glint to it. Looking inside, she found the artifact that Jay was after. Jay wondered why Emily decided to keep it a secret from the rest of the family.

As for the location; it was very strange itself. The necklace has no other uses other than the binding part. That being said, the occurrence going through the town and its people are not related to the necklace. Within just a short amount of time the town has deteriorated almost completely. What was even stranger was the fact that no one has reported on it - inside or outside of the town. Not a single report from someone driving through. And not a single report from the townsfolk themselves. The necklace was found three weeks ago with no incidents happening. The town started deteriorating about two weeks ago.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Another important detail Jay was looking for was where the artifact was located. The artifact was still in possession of Emily at her house. Her family lived in a nice cottage in the middle of the woods, on the outskirts of town. They owned quite a few acres and it’s in those woods that she found the necklace. The house itself was very nice but also suffered the same deterioration of the town. The patio was completely caved in on itself. A lot of foliage covered the whole house now. It also seems like someone tried adding installations to the house using normal wooden logs and plywood. Now looking back, Jay noticed that has been happening to most of the buildings scattered throughout town.

The more he looked into this case, the more confused Jay got. The necklace part itself was simple but it was the town that confused him. Jay did have a few ideas as to what it could be but didn’t have anything else to go off of. Jay thought it was time to get into the action and grabbed the specific location of the town: Edgewood, Washington.

Jay shut down his laptop and grabbed his case leaning against his desk. He packed his laptop, the files he was given, a few pens and his notebook. On his way out he made sure he finished the rest of his drink from earlier. He debated bringing the bottle with him but thought of it unwise to be found drinking while driving. He himself did not care since his car did most of the driving for him, but no one else really knew that.

Walking out of his office, he hears his phone in his pocket ring. He quickly locked his office door and looked at his phone. It was a call from his friend, Isaiah. And yes, an actual friend. Isaiah was one of the only people Jay actually liked. They were like brothers. Isaiah himself was just a normal human being with a normal job. He knew what Jay did though, Jay trusted him that much. The reason Jay liked him so much was because Isaiah kept him in the normal human world. The fact that Isaiah was nothing like him and lived the complete opposite life as him is what Jay liked. He answered the phone and said “What’s up, man?” in an excited voice.

“Listen, I got the next two days off to go wild. You in?” Isaiah also had an excited voice.

“I’m sorry man but I just got assigned a case. I’m leaving right now for Washington. Can I get a raincheck?”

“Yeah, man, no problem! So what’s in Washington? Wait, don’t tell me. I’ll wait until you’re back and we have a few beers in us. Ok, I gotta go. Bye!” Then he hung up without Jay being able to reply.

Jay surprisingly also liked that. Isaiah got right to the point and that was it. No small talk needed to make plans and no beating around the bush.

“Was that your boyfriend?” Said Chase - Jay’s least favorite associate. Chase likes to see how annoying he could be.

“Just a friend and you know that, Chase.” Jay said with a wide smile. “Oh, also, your girlfriend doesn’t have a dentist appointment today. I’d look into that if I were you. Kinda weird that she lied, huh?” He said while entering the elevator.

Chase started walking towards Jay but the elevator doors shut too soon for him to reach Jay.

Now back up to the ground level, he signed out and went to the parking garage. Another one of his favorite things in life was his car - which he named Shade and a beautiful 2018 Mustang. His car has made his life much easier and has saved his life more times than he can count. Getting in his car he said “Hey, beauty. We’re going to Edgewater, Washington. I’m going to bed so don’t get in trouble.” The car beeped back as if replying to him. He put his belongings on the passenger seat and leaned his own seat back. Within only a few minutes, Jay fell asleep. Other than working and drinking, sleeping was one of his favorite activities.

-=-

Jay opened his eyes to a blinding light that he couldn’t shake away. His vision went in and out at random and he felt confused. Everything around him was blurry and he couldn’t identify a single item near him. He thought he saw a table and a couple of chairs.

“Are you awake?” A voice said. Even though it was distorted and changing octaves, he knew it was a man talking.

“Huh?” Was all Jay was able to say. Everything around him was still blurry and buzzing. He could see the band kneeling beside him but his face was still obstructed. It was as if his face was continuously molding into odd shapes.

You have to remember, Jay.

I need you here.

We need your help.

-=-

Jay awoke to the sounds of car horns blasting outside his car. They were stuck in traffic. Jay didn’t mind traffic that much considering he didn’t have to pay attention. Most of the time he could catch up on shows on his phone, research more into his case or just go back to sleep. He chose the second option. He opened up his suitcase and grabbed the files, his notebook and the pen he packed. Jay went over all the files again and made sure to note things to pay extra attention to, which was the following:

* Found by Emily (14)

* Father is sheriff - be careful

* Town is deteriorating

* People have ‘changed’

Jay couldn’t keep focusing on his notes. His dream keeps bothering him. It was quite a common dream for him to have. He’s been randomly getting it for too many years and he still hasn’t found the connection between it. For a while he would try to piece it together but gave up after many unsuccessful attempts.

Wanting to escape the thought of the inescapable dream, he asked Shade where they were - almost out of Oregon and almost inside of Washington. He told Shade to direct them to a local party store. He needed a drink.

After only a few minutes they arrived at the local party store. Upon entering, Jay found out very quickly that the town he was in was pretty poor. He hadn't been paying much attention while Shade was driving. If he wasn’t the person he was, he would be terrified of this location. The place itself looked like a run down shack but filled with good quality products - he wondered how they were able to afford that. He even looked at the prices and they seemed normal as well. After a while of staring at one of his loves, he chose whiskey as his poison. When he went up to the register he was surprised to notice the cashier looked pretty normal.

“That all for you sir?” The cashier also seemed quite nice.

“That’ll do it.” Jay replied.

“Total today will be $20.07. Will that be cash or card?”

Jay handed him a hundred dollar bill and walked away with his liquor. On his way out he heard the cashier thank him. Jay would pay any price for any kind of drink. Money was never a problem for him unless it came to a person he hated. Multiple times he would underpay people if they were rude. What could they do that he couldn’t handle?

Back in the car he instructed Shade to continue to their destination. He debated on whether or not to go back to sleep after drinking most of the bottle. He chose not to and decided to stay up and look at the scenic view that was a terrible town. Jay has been to many places before so not much surprised him anymore, especially this town. It was a normal low economy town with nothing special. He was glad there was no overgrowth or disappearances like the destination he was going to. Getting more curious, he instructed Shade to drive down a few neighborhoods instead of the highway.

After a few minutes they arrived in the suburban part of town. Most of the houses didn’t look too bad but he thought they could use a few renovations - like tearing them down and building a new one instead. There were kids playing both in yards and in the street. Jay himself never understood how parents could allow basketball hoops to face the street. Luckily the kids moved out of the way and stared at Shade with curiosity and fascination.

When they arrived at the attached neighborhood, the houses were starting to get worse and worse. There were no longer kids but instead filled with adults. They were sitting in their lawns and standing on their porches. Just like before, he would be scared if he were a normal person. The thing he would fear the most would be them stealing his precious Shade. Another thing he noticed was that these people and the town itself didn’t discriminate. It was full of all races. No matter the race, they all still looked dangerous. It became very clear after traveling that the lower the class, the angrier they are. It made sense to Jay but only wished they didn’t mess with him. A normal nice person would want to help them out, but not Jay.

After looking around, Jay noticed something off. He told Shade to stop and she did. There was a woman sitting on her front porch with a toddler sitting on her lap. The only problem was that the child had no eyes or nose. Not that they were removed or they were born with a condition but gone. It was just a flat face with no features on the skin. The mouth was still there and they had perfect teeth. A never ending smile was sitting on the child's face. They faced Jay as if they knew he was there staring right back.

Shade interrupted his deep thought by saying “Is something wrong?” She worried about him a lot.

“You don’t see that?” He asked.

“The house?”

“The kid.”

“No I don’t, sir.” She said worriedly.

Jay had a problem with seeing things that were not there. He never knew what caused it. Being in a weird line of work he didn’t know if what he was seeing was something that was real or fake. He thought for a while that maybe it was real and only he could see it. The more he saw things, the more he realized they weren’t real and he was alone in seeing them. He denied a psychiatrist and medication for a long time until Allison made it mandatory for him to keep his job. Jay never took the pills unless the hallucination was bad - he rarely carried them with him. That was always rare but sometimes the hallucinations would also provoke indescribable fear into his whole body. Sometimes he would have to actually run away from them, thinking it would hurt him. After it was gone, he always thought of how dumb he must have looked. Someone like him running away, scared at something that wasn’t even real. He would always think of it afterwards and wonder why he was scared in the first place. After a while of learning about his condition, he found out it was the brain sending the fear throughout his body. These hallucinations also came with nightmares. Sometimes he would have episodes that made him lose sleep for days - even when he took his prescribed sleeping medication. To say the least, he had a lot of problems to handle by himself.

Another activity he liked to do was write. Not stories but his own thoughts like a journal. He would try to write what he was thinking at the end of every day so he can get a better understanding of himself. And that is exactly what he decided to do while being bored during his travels.