The Verge of Winter

The wind was bitingly cold, its icy fingers searching for any breach in security. I pulled my coat tighter around my middle, trying to hug the warmth closer. A sigh escaped my lips, the bus wouldn’t be on the regular downtown route, not with this nor'easter blowing at its peak. This weather will make tonight’s walk treacherous, even in these fur lined boots. I pulled my black parka’s hood closer to my face, turning against the wind and started towards the intersection.

A vibration against my hip indicated the half hour alarm on my cell. I needed to hurry. Pushing the crosswalk button I quickly looked both ways. Nervously chuckling at my impulse I thought, old habits die hard, or so they say. Peering down the snowy, empty streets,I quickly made my way across the four lane road without waiting for the walk signal to change. The city night seemed so desolate with the lonesome sidewalks and empty streets, not even a taxi in sight. Only the glow of the Christmas lights kept the night from seeming eerie and forlorn.

I had to hurry, they wouldn’t wait long. My eyes glanced back towards the desolate hotel, just to make sure I wasn’t followed. The freezing rain stung my face like tiny bees, blinding me as I tripped on the edge of the curb. These are my favorite blue jeans, I thought, examining the tear in the right knee. It was just a little scrap, no time to worry about it now. No time to waste, they were waiting.

The walk was long and the accumulation of snow made it even longer. Trudging through the mushy base, I slipped, my boots feeling wet and heavy. Another vibration, another half hour, time was almost up. I needed to hurry. Almost there, just another block. I glanced behind me again, still no one, I was safe.

It is here, I thought to myself as I gazed up at the arched plaque, just as they said. Gold numbers were etched into the round emblem on the enormous, red door. 67245, I drew a deep breath, convincing myself that I had made the right choice. Icy fingers reached inside the black coat pocket, wrapping around the note sent to my apartment. Closing my eyes I tilted my face to the sky. The sting of frozen water turned to tiny drops of water, streaming down like tears. No time to wait, the moment is near.

I reached for the door, gripping the handle with shaking hands. My knees ached from the hard fall, I would have bruises I knew. Checking one more time for any movement on the abandoned street, I turned the knob firmly. The metal door was heavy, taking all of my energy to wretch it open. I pulled hard, hearing the screech of metal on metal as the entryway broke free from its casing. Peering inside I saw a dimly light staircase leading to .. nothing? I wasn’t sure, it was so hard to see an end to the worn, wooden steps. You could tell that many feet had traveled this path, mine were just another pair to add to the scuffs and scars upon the old staircase.

They seemed steep as I ascended, my wet boots weighing my feet down and making the climb that much harder. At least there was a railing, though it had seen its share of use and neglect too. The air was musty, how long had it been since the portal was opened and fresh air let in? The light flickered lending an eerie atmosphere, I chuckled nervously. The mind certainly plays tricks when the thoughts are scattered and the future is unknown. I checked the time on my phone, 7:25. Almost there, they won’t wait, that is what the note said.

I strained to see into the murky darkness, spying the landing just ahead. Reaching the short hall at the top of the stairs I took out the note. It would be hard to read in this light, but I deciphered the words once again. “Come to 67245 Falcon St. at 7:30 sharp. Come alone!” The scrawl clearly instructed 7:30, not a moment sooner. I checked my phone one more time, 7:30, now or never.

Gripping the knob firmly, I opened the door quietly, hesitantly peering into the shadowy chamber. Its rough, wooden floors reflected the street lights from the row of tall, curtain-less windows. It gave just enough light to survey the spacious studio. The empty room echoed my footsteps as I walked towards the center. No one was here, I was alone. Was I late? Checking my phone once again I confirmed it to be 7:30. I was on the dot.

My eyes scanned the area, noticing the four brick pillars forming a large square in the middle of the room. The light from the windows was dim, leaving the corners shrouded in shadows. I stopped, my eyes landing on a shape in the center of the columns. Looking around I confirmed that I was still alone. Cautiously I inched towards the dark object, worried about what I would find. It had been a strange day after all. A mysterious note, demanding I arrive at a specific place at a specific time. But why? I was just a waitress at the Daurlan Hotel.

Reaching the object I realized it was a tall, flat topped podium. A black briefcase rested on the platform. As my eyes adjusted to the gloomy light I noticed an inscription. It read, “Never stop dreaming, never stop believing in yourself, for in your dreams is the essence of your spirit. Let it remain wild and free, untamed in your curiosity and love for life.” A note was placed upon the podium with my name scrawled on the folded paper. I carefully reached for the note with shaking hands. Who could it be from? Opening it it read, “You have overcome your fear, to find your way here today. You have proven to be brave, and willing to take risks. Look inside the case, and find a little black book with detailed instructions for your next assignment and $20,000. Use this to help your future to be all that you dream it could be.”

Opening the case I found the little black book, with the same words etched on the cover. My fingers traced the words, gently I removed the elastic strap closure. The mysterious book indicated a time and place for a second meeting. What could this mean? Who were these people? Taking the case with the money and the book I left for home, vowing to find out who they were and what they wanted.