Ficlets

207: The New Number 23

207. 2+0+7 = 9

207/9 = 23

The number 207 was everywhere and nowhere. It followed and led Vincent everywhere and nowhere. He could not summon it, but he sensed its presence whenever it lurked in the nearby shadows, and he knew exactly what it required.

Vincent woke up in the middle of the night, before glancing at the clock his heart skipped a beat. He knew it was 2:07 AM before his groggy eyes were able to confirm it.

The bell tolled often these days, so he didn’t bother undressing at night anymore. He jumped into his Peugeot 207 Hatchback and soon passed an old broken-down gas station advertising gas for $2.07 a gallon. Highway robbery, for sure, but it was a damn sight better than the current price of $4.14.

He shuddered. 4.14/2 = 2.07

At mile marker 207, he pulled off the road and waited. Sure enough, another vehicle emerged, license plate: CBA 207 .

And Vincent was filled with bloodlust. His tires squealed in protest as his Peugeot 207 lurched back onto the highway: it was hunting season.

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