One and the Same (Oct. Writing Prompt)

[mynameisnotbrad]

((Small spoilers / mentions of the Saw / Jigsaw movies))

Traveling different worlds in search of killers to befriend was something Jeff rarely considered doing, until the acquisition of a PINpoint changed everything. Any dimension, any time or place is at an arm’s reach: he only had to go looking for someone or something.

A world still stuck in 2007 is not where Jeff would’ve expected to find a new friend.

He stumbled upon John Kramer through chance and elusive Darknet message boards: Jeff wanting to find new victims or a good time, while Kramer was looking into purchasing materials that clearly wouldn’t be used for their intended purpose. The timing was impeccable, and having a greater depth of knowledge towards technology, it wasn’t hard for him to track the civil engineer back to his origins. Coming up with a believable backstory and fabricating it ended up being the hardest part: settling in on a former police investigator with a skill for tracking people, whom had also survived a near fatal shooting.

Much to his surprise, Kramer seemed open to the idea of having someone assisting him with the art of kidnapping. A weekend meeting in Long Island cemented the contract between them, as Jeff bared witness to the birth of Jigsaw. The masterful traps John created only further fascinated him, the nature of the human soul becoming a compelling thing to watch. Seeing a famous movie killer in action, and actually becoming friends with one, was something he could only dream of ever doing. The only depressing thought of Jeff’s mind is remembering what drove Kramer to insanity: a untreatable form of cancer.

Despite being miles away, his contact with John stayed consistent even after returning to his homeworld. He would read up on the monthly kidnappings; watched as the media began labelling his friend as the ‘Jigsaw Killer’, feeling nothing but happiness towards John’s personal victories. Even after becoming tired with his own ‘Murder Party’ game show, seeing the media react to Jigsaw was inspiring him to keep ‘entertaining’ people.

The phone call comes out of nowhere in the middle of October, causing a feeling of anxiety to fill his heart. Upon hearing John’s tired, worn out voice that dreaded Tuesday night immediately gets him to book a next day flight out to New York from his newly purchased home in Colorado. He knows the cancer is getting worse and eventually the inevitable will happen, despite the advancements of modern medicine. To be fair, he’s not sure what he can do to help, but the discovery of the Nexus has left him in a much stronger financial situation, and he’s not about to waste it.

---

“When I asked you to come to New York, I didn’t expect you to arrange such an extravagant outing, Jeffrey.” The two men sit across from one another at one of New York’s finest restaurants, partaking in a bottle of wine before the meal arrives.

To be honest, it feels weird for Jeff to hear his real name after using so many aliases lately, but he’s on another world where no one knows who he really is.

“Life is going very well lately, so I figured you’d appreciate the finer things this evening.” He tilts the wine glass slightly in his hand, before taking a sip. “I’m a bit surprised that you put aside your health concerns and agreed to join me for dinner and drinks.”

The price tag holds little value, especially once he sees a smile creep onto John’s face. Despite being stricken by cancer, he looks full of life in this moment, not having to spend this evening huddled away in an abandoned factory or bedridden.

“It seems you haven’t forgotten what I stand for…” He raises his own glass in a small toast, the buttons on his suit jacket glimmer with each gentle movement of his arm. “Thank you for coming out here on such short notice.”

“I wouldn’t leave you hanging, John.” It’s hard to be cheerful given the circumstances, but he puts on a good face, resting both hands on the table. “What’s on your mind?”

John’s eyes lock with his before speaking up. “I need you to help out with a test I have planned. Lately, I’ve been questioning whether or not Amanda is ready to take over my work. I need you to bring someone to her so she can conduct a test on them.”

The request is not surprising; he’s had a growing suspicion that his services would be needed, but the comment about Amanda, one of John’s current apprentices, is disarming. To be fair, Jeff knows that John has selected a few people to become future Jigsaw successors, however, he’s never met any of them in person.

“Am I going to be watching her or do you want me to work alongside her?”

The older gentleman says nothing, his eyes fearless and full of wisdom. Jeff immediately knows the answer to his question before hearing it.

“Both. I will be there as well, but a second set of hands and eyes never hurt anyone.”

“What kind of problems do you think she’s facing?” Observing is an important skill to have; Jeff doesn't want to underestimate what Amanda can do. If she survived a Jigsaw test, then she has some sort of potential, untapped or unrefined.

“Instability. Emotions over rationality.” He can feel Kramer’s eyes staring deep into his soul, as if judging his reactions. A moment of hesitation, questions are arising in Jeff’s mind, and as he prepares to speak up, John cuts him off. “Jeffrey. I need to know if you’re willing to help me.”

He wants to express concern, to talk more about Amanda’s behaviors, or his distaste for apprentices, but he can’t. Jeff understands his friend’s convictions and where his priorities lie.

“You never needed to ask. I’ll do what I can for you.” Jeff pushes aside his feelings, realizing that John can read him like an open book that way.

The arrival of dinner proves to be a good time to recalibrate his thoughts; the conversation turns lighter, given the serious business has been taken care of. Jeff can only imagine what lies in store next, once the evening winds down and Kramer takes his leave.

---

Even though it looks untouched, the second he steps into his hotel room, Jeff knows someone has been here. On the bed is a large duffel bag, a parting gift from his uninvited guest, which he knows isn’t dangerous. He begins removing the contents carefully: a small case containing vials of chemicals, leather gloves, a long black robe. All the tools he’ll need to successfully carry out his mission, along with documents and notes about his targets.

Easy. It’ll be too simple, as he glances down at his wrist, the PINpoint watch staring back at him with colorful lights. No need for a rental van or a risky drive to the house of his victim, he can easily kidnap multiple people in one night if he wanted to. For now, it’s just one person. His eyes rest on the final bit of gear: a disgusting pig mask with black strands of hair dangling from it. A little too ugly for his tastes, but he knows that John has a particular fondness for this type of disguise, a part of his MO.

He takes the mask with both hands, putting it on and turning to face the closest mirror. A scary looking pig stares back at him, and in that moment, he smiles.

It’s time to go to work.