It was not with a little pride that I explained this in court. And how do they summarise this sophisticated operation? By calling it a heinous crime. A bit of a crude interpretation don’t you think? I don’t doubt for a moment that some of the present thought what I had planned was quite clever. But for fear of them being condemned they don’t say so! What does that make them!? May I ask…do you think it was clever? It doesn’t matter if you admit it here. No comment? Ah well, I’ll guess you think it’s sort of clever.
A whole year it’s been now in this sweltering pit. They say I must serve at least twenty but there’s a great imbalance at work here. I should be locked up for a long as my captors were – a matter of weeks! And then we go back to why I am here in the first place – through pure chance! My victim’s freedom was denied through great skill. Can you see the difference? The injustice? I think you can but you disguise it well! How sad it is that I can’t fulfil my dreams…
…but wait…maybe I can…
Is that what I think it is hanging from the wall?! It is isn’t it! Your expression tells me I am not hallucinating. Seen as I have told you everything is it not fair that you do my bidding for one simple task? Those keys…bring them here. There’s nobody present and I can assure you this is not the most secure joint. Ah yes! Good! You are proving to have great character. Now try to lift them gently…that’s it! Now over here!
Yikes. That’s a lot of keys. Look to see if they have numbers on them. I’ll keep a look out but do try to hurry! No. This one’s 374, not 375. Wait, go back, that one! Okay, let’s steady ourselves. Now all you have to do is insert the key into the keyhole. It’s so simple. Don’t worry about getting closer.
Come now, we mustn’t stall! Just one simple task like I said. Okay, so I explained I wanted you to bring them here not stick them in the lock – what’s the bloody difference!? Just a few more steps, in goes the key and you’ll forever have my blessing. Just let me know who gets in your way and I’ll make a chamber especially for them…excuse me? Ah, I see, but it’s okay to lock me up? Right, look, we’re getting off point here. Now if you could just…wait, what are you doing?
Don’t do that! You mean to tell me you side with them? Why else were the keys put there? Is it not a sign? Please no! Don’t hang them ba…ugh…
Well, I could call you a damn fool but I don’t think you are. You see I can read people all too well. It’s obviously a lot to take in for one sitting. You need to chew over this. The heat probably isn’t helping either – heaven knows it sometimes makes me feel remorse! Yes, go back to your home. Tell me…is it at all like mine? Okay, you don’t want to talk anymore. I get it. Just promise me you’ll come back, okay? You will...won’t you…?
Dare to Read: 13 Tales of Terror Page 22
