Locked

By Madeleine Littler

Introduction
Welcome to FlashFiction by InkTrail Books
Sparking a Love for Reading


Welcome to FlashFiction, an exciting and engaging series of anthologies specifically curated for late teens and young adult readers who are seeking to sharpen their reading skills. We understand that not everyone finds reading easy, and that's why FlashFiction is designed to provide an accessible and enjoyable entry point for readers of all abilities.
In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to foster a love for reading and encourage leisure reading among people of all ages. Reading not only expands our minds and deepens our understanding of the world around us but also develops our empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. That's why we believe it's crucial to offer a wide variety of accessible books that cater to different reading levels and preferences.
FlashFiction is a unique collection of short stories that are carefully crafted to captivate and entertain while providing a gentle challenge to enhance reading skills. Our talented authors have woven together diverse narratives across various genres, ranging from adventure and mystery to romance and science fiction. Each story is designed to be easily digestible, allowing readers to enjoy the satisfaction of completing a tale in a single sitting.
We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of getting lost in a great story. FlashFiction aims to bridge the gap between readers with below-average reading skills and the world of literature. Our hope is that this series will ignite a passion for reading in those who may have previously felt discouraged or overwhelmed by traditional books.
So, go ahead and dive into the fascinating worlds contained within the pages of FlashFiction. Whether you're reading alone or sharing these stories with friends and family, we're confident that you'll find inspiration, entertainment, and a newfound love for the written word. Happy reading!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Aug 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665747080

Madeleine Littler

Madeleine Littler is an innovative and compassionate author who is deeply committed to empowering underserved populations, fostering a lifelong passion for reading and promoting inclusive learning environments. Throughout her career, Madeleine has worked tirelessly with students who struggle with reading but crave engaging, age-appropriate literature. Recognizing the need for accessible and relatable books for teenagers, Madeleine developed the idea for InkTrail Books, a groundbreaking series specifically designed to captivate young readers with below-average reading skills while addressing the themes and challenges that resonate with them. Madeleine's unique approach to storytelling combines her expertise in curriculum design with her innate understanding of the interests and needs of her target audience. The result is a collection of powerful stories that are not only accessible but also inspiring and transformative for young readers. In addition to her work in education and literature, Madeleine is an avid reader and a strong advocate for community outreach programs that support underserved populations. She believes in the power of literature to change lives and is dedicated to making the world of books more inclusive for everyone. With InkTrail Books, Madeleine Littler has created a literary haven for young readers who have long felt excluded from the world of literature. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of struggling readers has earned her a special place in the hearts of educators, parents, and young readers alike.

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LOCKED

MADELEINE LITTLER

Copyright © 2023 Madeleine Littler.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

844-669-3957

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4707-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4709-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4708-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023913334

Archway Publishing rev. date: 08/10/2023

CONTENTS

Introduction

The Sealed Chamber

Dead and Gone

The Impossible Heist

The Cellar

A Thief Among Us

The Invisible Intruder

Runaway Bride

The Museum Mystery

The Light’s Embrace

The Basement Unit

The Impossible Escape

The Exchange Student

The House Next door

Vanished

Affulence and Confluence

An Unseen Intruder

The Key

The Fortis Safe

The Final Curtain

INTRODUCTION

FlashFiction by InkTrail Books

Sparking a Love for Reading

Welcome to FlashFiction, an exciting and engaging series of anthologies specifically curated for late teens and young adult readers who are seeking to sharpen their reading skills. We understand that not everyone finds reading easy, and that’s why FlashFiction is designed to provide an accessible and enjoyable entry point for readers of all abilities.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to foster a love for reading and encourage leisure reading among people of all ages. Reading not only expands our minds and deepens our understanding of the world around us but also develops our empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. That’s why we believe it’s crucial to offer a wide variety of accessible books that cater to different reading levels and preferences.

FlashFiction is a unique collection of short stories that are carefully crafted to captivate and entertain while providing a gentle challenge to enhance reading skills. Our talented authors have woven together diverse narratives across various genres, ranging from adventure and mystery to romance and science fiction. Each story is designed to be easily digestible, allowing readers to enjoy the satisfaction of completing a tale in a single sitting.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of getting lost in a great story. FlashFiction aims to bridge the gap between readers with below-average reading skills and the world of literature. Our hope is that this series will ignite a passion for reading in those who may have previously felt discouraged or overwhelmed by traditional books.

So, go ahead and dive into the fascinating worlds contained within the pages of FlashFiction. Whether you’re reading alone or sharing these stories with friends and family, we’re confident that you’ll find inspiration, entertainment, and a newfound love for the written word. Happy reading!

THE SEALED CHAMBER

Long ago in the picturesque town of Fableworth, there stood a grand mansion with a peculiar reputation. The locals whispered of the famous locked room mystery hidden within the estate, known as the Sealed Chamber. The mansion belonged to the late Lord William Marksbury, a respected and wealthy figure in the community.

Upon Lord Marksbury’s passing, his vast estate was inherited by his only son, Charles Marksbury, a young, curious man with a love for puzzles and riddles. Charles, having heard the rumors surrounding the Sealed Chamber, decided to unlock the mystery that had confounded the townspeople for so long. He reached out to the renowned detective, Dr. Eleanor Wright, to solve the enigma once and for all.

Dr. Wright arrived at the Marksbury Mansion, a tall, slender figure with a piercing gaze and an air of quiet determination. Charles welcomed her with enthusiasm and led her to the Sealed Chamber. The room was located on the second floor, with a single entrance, and no windows or secret passages. Its door was an imposing sight, made of oak and reinforced with steel. A large, rusty padlock secured the door, its key long lost.

As they stood before the door, Charles recounted the story of the Sealed Chamber. My great-grandfather, the original owner of the mansion, locked this room and hid the key, claiming he had concealed a secret treasure within. Ever since, none of our family members have been able to find the key or enter the room. Many have tried, but all have failed.

Dr. Wright inspected the door and padlock carefully, taking note of the lack of scratches or any other sign of forced entry. Intrigued, she asked Charles to provide her with a copy of the mansion’s blueprint. With her keen eye for detail, she examined the plans thoroughly but found no hidden passages or inconsistencies.

As the sun set, Dr. Wright decided to spend the night at the mansion, hoping that inspiration would strike in the darkness. She settled in the library, browsing through the extensive collection of books that the Marksbury family had amassed over generations. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a dusty, leather-bound journal, its cover adorned with the initials W.M. — undoubtedly belonging to the late Lord William Marksbury.

Dr. Wright carefully flipped through the pages, reading the entries penned in Lord Marksbury’s elegant handwriting. To her surprise, she found an entry that mentioned the Sealed Chamber:

April 15, 1974

I have finally found the key to the Sealed Chamber, hidden by my grandfather so many years ago. The secret lies in the blood of a Marksbury. The lock can only be opened by one who shares the same bloodline. I have placed the key in the one place where it shall remain hidden, yet accessible to my descendants.

Dr. Wright rushed to find Charles, excitedly recounting her discovery. Charles listened in awe, his eyes widening as the meaning of his father’s words became clear. He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a birthmark shaped like a key on his forearm.

Without hesitation, Charles pressed his birthmark against the rusty padlock. The lock trembled and clicked open, falling to the ground with a dull thud. The door creaked open, revealing the Sealed Chamber for the first time in nearly a century.

The room was filled with an impressive collection of treasures: gold coins, jewelry, and precious artifacts. But the most valuable treasure was a family heirloom, a painting of the first Lord Marksbury, which had been thought to be lost forever.

Dr. Eleanor Wright and Charles Marksbury stood in the dimly lit room, their eyes scanning the treasure-filled chamber with a mixture of awe and disbelief. The air was thick with a century’s worth of dust and secrets, waiting to be uncovered.

Charles, still in shock, whispered, I never thought we’d solve the mystery of the Sealed Chamber, but you did it, Dr. Wright. You found the hidden key.

Dr. Wright smiled humbly. It was your father’s journal that provided the clue, Charles. He left you the means to unlock this chamber, hidden in plain sight. The key was not a physical object, but a connection to your bloodline, a bond that transcends time and generations.

As they walked through the room, examining the numerous artifacts and treasures, they came across a small, intricately carved wooden box. Charles carefully opened it, revealing a letter written by the first Lord Marksbury, addressed to his descendants.

Dear Heir of the Marksbury bloodline,

If you are reading this, then you have unlocked the Sealed Chamber and proven yourself worthy of the inheritance. The treasure you see before you is a testament to the perseverance and determination of our family. More valuable than any material wealth, however, is the knowledge that you have upheld the Marksbury legacy.

The painting you see before you is not just a family heirloom, but a symbol of unity, a reminder that we are connected by more than mere blood. Cherish it and remember the responsibility you have to our lineage.

Yours sincerely,

Lord Percival Marksbury

Charles looked up from the letter, tears welling in his eyes. This room represents more than just wealth, Dr. Wright. It’s a testament to my family’s strength, a reminder of the bond that connects us. This treasure is a legacy to be cherished and protected.

Dr. Wright nodded, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the moment. Indeed, Charles. The true treasure is not the gold and jewels, but the bond you share with your ancestors and the responsibility you have to uphold the Marksbury name.

With the mystery of the Sealed Chamber finally resolved, the mansion regained its former glory, and the townspeople of Fableworth celebrated the end of the enigma that had haunted them for decades.

Charles Marksbury, now the proud guardian of his family’s legacy, embraced his newfound responsibility with fervor. He turned the mansion into a museum, sharing the fascinating story of the Sealed Chamber and his family’s history with the world. The once enigmatic treasure now served as a symbol of unity, a reminder that some bonds can truly stand the test of time.

DEAD AND GONE

Detective James Blake had seen it all. After years of working as a detective, he had investigated everything from petty theft to gruesome murders. He had a reputation for being one of the best in the business, and he prided himself on his ability to solve even the most complicated cases. But as he pulled up to the scene of his latest case, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The name of the victim had been familiar to him when he had received the call out to the crime scene: Freddy Reeves, somewhat of a local legend. Freddy used the loose term businessman when asked what he did for work. Blake was unsure if this was more for perpetuating a shady reputation or if it was truly to cover up some of his less favorable business dealings.

The crime scene was a high-end hotel in the middle of town. According to the hotel staff, Freddy had checked into the hotel 4 days