C. N. Garraway

Prompt

Prompt Friday: Write this scene. You return from lunch to find a flash drive on your desk with a note that says we’re watching. You must follow the directions on the flash drive, and you only have one hour to complete the tasks.

My Response

I entered my office after a disappointing lunch. Two colleagues had gotten into an altercation and were walked out in handcuffs. Not a good way to start the week.

Erica—my best friend—would’ve found it amusing.

Before I sat down, I noticed that my desk chair was pulled away from my desk. That was odd. I always pushed my chair in before leaving the office.

I flopped down in my chair and noticed a note and a flash drive on my desk. I picked up the flash drive and examined it. Nothing out of the ordinary about it. I set it down and grabbed the note.

In big bold letters, it said, We’re Watching.

I looked up and started scanning the room. As far as I knew, security hadn’t installed individual cameras in anyone’s office.

Who would be watching me—and why?

The next line instructed me to plug in the flash drive and follow the directions once it was open.

I plugged it in.

A dialogue box appeared with a list of files. One was labeled Instructions, so I clicked on it. I heard the printer wake up, and it spat out a piece of paper.

“What the—”

I got up, retrieved the paper, and sat back down. On the computer screen, a timer appeared.

One hour.

It immediately started counting down. Then my watch lit up with the same timer. My heart raced so hard in my chest that I felt lightheaded. This was real. I slipped the flash drive into my pocket and stood. I needed answers.

The hallway was quiet. A little too quiet.

I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the basement. When the doors opened, I paused and listened.

Nothing unusual—just water moving through pipes and the faint buzzing of fluorescent lights overhead. I stepped out and turned left.

The janitor’s closet was slightly ajar. I flicked on the light and stepped inside. On a shelf in front of me was a set of keys.

I grabbed them and closed the door behind me.

I continued down the hall to the file storage room. I searched the key ring until I found a round-topped key. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, flicking on the light.

The smell hit me instantly—musty, damp, and thick with dust. My nose started itching. Boxes and file cabinets lined the room, all coated in a thin layer of grime.

I made my way to a cabinet against the back wall. I found the matching key, unlocked it, and searched for the files listed on the printout. I found them. I closed and locked the cabinet.

Then I crossed to another one on the opposite side of the room and repeated the process.

Six folders.

I held them tightly and headed out, locking the room behind me.

My heels clicked sharply against the floor as I made my way back toward the elevator. Too loud.

I returned to the third floor. The silence there felt even heavier. What was going on? Why was it so quiet?

At the end of the hallway sat an empty office. It hadn’t been assigned to anyone since an employee had died in it.

A chill crept up my spine. Was I next?

I pushed the door open—

—and froze.

My ex stood behind the desk.

“What are you doing here, Asher?”

“I knew you were the right woman for this,” he said. “You were always loyal.”

He pulled out his gun and pointed it at me. I froze. I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see the bullet coming.

The shot rang out. Something hard hit the floor. I didn’t feel any pain. Was I dead?

“Are you alright, Bonnie?”

My eyes flew open. Asher stood in front of me, gripping my shoulders.

Then he ran past me and kicked a gun across the floor.

“Erica…?”

My best friend lay on the floor, bleeding out, unconscious.

“What the hell is going on?” I asked.

Asher looked at me, his expression dark.

“She’s the one who killed Sam Lee.”

Your Turn

How would your character handle this situation? Would they follow the instructions… or walk away? Drop a line from your version in the comments—I’d love to read it.