Writing Prompt...The Case

You’re a private investigator who is down on his or her luck and hasn’t had a client in months. Suddenly the phone rings. It’s a kid. The kid proposes a silly case to you. Normally you wouldn’t take such a ridiculous job (from a kid, no less), but you need the work, so you accept. But what you uncover during the investigation is a much, much bigger problem than the kid (and you) ever expected.

Chapter 1

Petra Jakes was working late at her P.I. office, “PJ’s Private Investigating”, on Saturday night.  She even had an argument with her boyfriend, Mark, for ignoring him for work.  Work at the P.I. office gave her peace of mind—something Mark didn’t lately.  Petra needed time alone and Mark just didn’t get that.

While looking over some cases, Petra got a call about a possible case—not from an adult, but from a 8-year-old boy. 

“I need your help.” A boy’s voice cried into the phone.

“Okay.  Tell me your name.” Petra told the little boy.

“It’s Jimmy.”

“Okay, Jimmy.  Tell me what your problem is?”

“It’s my father.”

“What about your father, Jimmy?”

“He’s gone mad.  I think he’s going to kill my sister?” Jimmy cried into the phone.

“Jimmy, do you know your address so I can check on you?”

“Yes.  It’s 1234 Jack Plum Way.” Jimmy replied.

“Thank you, Jimmy.  I will come and see what’s happening.” Petra reassured him.  “Jimmy, I want you to find your sister and get somewhere safe until I arrive.”

“Okay.” Jimmy said.

“I’ll be there shortly.” Petra told Jimmy before hanging up.

Petra hopped into the driver’s seat of her Jeep Wrangler and started the ignition.  Petra headed toward the address Jimmy gave her.  Pulling into the driveway, Petra got out of the Jeep and was shocked discover no one at the address.  In fact, the house was abandoned—and had been for months…..