rrraksamam

She'd reached for her gun as soon as she heard the scream. This was the third time this month. Jessica tiptoed down the staircase and peered at the floor below, concealing herself from obvious view.

She watched intently as the door on the right opened, and a man came into view. So he'd heard it too.

This was the man who's file had been sitting on her desk for some time now. He looked quite young, almost boyish. She watched him listening for sounds, gazing at the door in front of him, contemplating. What was he thinking? His right hand appeared to hover close to his pocket. No doubt a weapon of some sort. He stood there motionless, his eyes shifting from one door to the next, then suddenly, he retreated, and shut his door.

Had he sensed her presence? She wondered. She decided it was time to meet this man, and get acquainted. Pocketing her pistol in her coat, she walked down the stairs and knocked on his door. A moment later, the door opened, and she found herself staring at the face of the man whom she'd heard so much about. “Yes?” He asked.

“Hi!” she smiled, “I'm Jessica. I live upstairs.” He nodded, “Please, come in.”

A quick glance across his apartment amazed her. He'd set up just like she had. The laptop almost in the same identical position, the bed too, and the chairs. “Have a seat,” he gestured.

“I suppose you're wondering where the scream came from?” she asked. Straight to the point. “Was that you?” he asked, doubtful. “No,” she shook her head, “but I've heard it before. Several times in fact.” “I think it came from the apartment opposite mine. Though I can't be sure,” he said. She leaned forward and stared into his eyes, “Roy, there's no one else in this building.”

He folded his arms and returned her gaze, “How do you know my name?” If he was spooked, he certainly didn't show it. “I have your file,” she confessed, “I work for the agency too.” “Nobody told me anything about you,” he replied. “That's because I don't exist. I'm not here. Just like you, aren't really here.” “Yet here we are,” he said. “Yes.” “Who gave you my file?” She sighed, “I can't tell you that.” “Does Mother know you're here?” he asked. She nodded. “Did she give you my file?” She shook her head. “Okay.”