Want to support CHYOA?
Disable your Ad Blocker! Thanks :)

Chapter 8 by Artican Artican

Where, When, And How Do I Run Jane To Ground?

Track down the fugitive and corner her in an abandoned building.

The streets of this long dead city rests in a haunting slumber. It is as no life has stirred in the stone paths for ages, save for the growing encroachment of flora and fauna that claws at its edges, little by little reclaiming what was once its. From the undisturbed serenity of abandoned land stick out the freshly trodden path of an interloper. She has been wise to keep to the edges of the road, disturbing as little as she needs to, but she might as well have towed a plow behind her for the trail that I could see. It may not be so obvious to anyone else, but the trampled grass, depressions that do not belong, all are glaring signs of recent passage.

Once I realize how obvious the trail is I follow it calmly. Jane will feel secure in her escape, so I can take my time. Tracking the thief feels like second nature to me, perhaps it was something I picked up from my past life. I let my instincts lead me and they do me proud. I pass by an abandoned hut with four walls, triangle shaped roof, and no second floor. My ears pick up movement inside. I quickly scan for escape routes, of which there are several. The front door is the most glaring one, while there are two open window as well and a crumbled wall large enough to squeeze through near the second window.

Leaning by the window, I scan the sole room. The rubble of the former walls covers a lot of the floor. The front door is rigged with a trap. From the glint of moonlight, I can make out a tripwire. I take a closer look at the window sill I am at and detect a similar trap with almost invisible wire directly across the opening. No doubt the other exits are set up similarly. Either Jane is quick to fortify her camp, or this was a go-to base she had set up beforehand. If it is the latter, she must have a safe way in... If it's the former, there should be a way to flush her out.

Do I Enter The Building Or Draw Jane Out?

Want to support CHYOA?
Disable your Ad Blocker! Thanks :)