Page 26 of 36 Hours

‘So, is the article written?’ Stacey asked, unable to help herself. Although she was trying to remain uninterested, her peripheral vision had clocked the reporter alternating between tapping on her laptop furiously and staring off into space.

‘Yeah, it’s done.’

The reporter had no permission to post the story, and she had two minutes to make the call. Stacey couldn’t help but wonder what the consequences of going against her boss would be.

Frost visibly jumped when her phone beeped a message.

‘It’s him,’ Frost said.

‘Your boss?’ Stacey asked.

Frost shook her head. ‘Our guy. He’s sent me a one-minute countdown.’

Although Stacey knew she should be focussing on the clue, the decision Frost had to make was intriguing her.

The woman had a backbone – they all knew that. And she wouldn’t have brought the case to them if she wasn’t convinced this was no innocent game. But was she willing to risk the wrath of her boss to do the right thing?

‘Thirty seconds,’ Frost said, not expecting an answer.

Stacey offered nothing and just waited.

They all knew that the Jester had promised that people would get hurt if his instructions weren’t followed.

Indecision was written all over Frost’s face.

Stacey couldn’t help the question coming out of her mouth.

‘What exactly do you think your boss will do?’

Frost pressed thePublishbutton.

‘I guess we’re about to find out.’

TWENTY-ONE

NOON

THERE’S A JESTER IN TOWN

By Tracy Frost

Instead of writing the news, today I am the news. And I’m going to explain why.

This morning started like any other lazy Sunday morning. I was minding my own business, deciding what to do with my day.

That decision was taken out of my hands when a cryptic message about wanting to play a game popped into my inbox. Intrigued, I opened the email to find that it wasn’t the hoax I thought it was.

The email contained clear and concise instructions for the game from someone who calls himself the Jester.

My first instruction was to make contact with a high-ranking police officer who would share my opinion that this was a serious matter.

The response of the police was both swift and decisive. A team was assembled immediately to await the first clue.

Solving the clue led the team to the Saltwells Nature Reserve, where they found a box.

I’m not at liberty to reveal the contents of the box, but the Jester is serious about his game, and there are another thirty-one hours to go.

What is his motive?