I examine the third clue.
And inside the ornate designs in its metal…
I can make out the number 3.
Emma
We need to find the lock this key opens.
Desmond
What do you suggest?
Desmond
We don’t have time to try every lock in town.
Emma
But if we take it to a locksmith…
Emma
They might be able to give us some more information.
I pull my car up to the locksmith’s store, parking in front of it.
Desmond and I quickly get out.
I ignore the call and enter the locksmith’s store.
Texts from my mom fill my screen.
Mom
The school called home to confirm your doctor’s appointment.
Mom
We told them we didn’t know what they were talking about.
Mom
We have no clue where you are, Emma!
Mom
You’re in big trouble!
I pull out the key and show it to the locksmith.
Emma
Can you tell us what this key unlocks?
The locksmith takes the key with his wrinkled, weathered hands.
Recognition washes over him.
Locksmith
I made this key.
Locksmith
The Dayton Motel.
Locksmith
I made all the keys for them.
The locksmith holds up the key, motioning to the number on it.
Locksmith
Looks like this one is for Room 3.
Desmond
I guess we know where to go next…
All the way to the far edge of town.
Paint is peeling off its sign.
The pool closed due to neglect.
I pull into a nearly empty parking lot.
Desmond and I quickly get out.
The doors are on the outside of the motel.
So it’s easy enough to scan through them.
I find a door marked with the number 3.
And Desmond trails close behind me.
I’m about to put the key in—
Desmond
You sure about this?
Desmond
I mean, we have no idea who could be on the other side of this door.
Desmond
What if they have a gun?
I whisper back, silencing him.
Emma
What choice do I have?
Desmond
I just care about you.
Desmond
I don’t know what I’d do if you ever got hurt.
Desmond leans close to me.
So close that he could kiss me.
I put the key in the lock.
Slowly, I push the door open.
The kidnapper could be in here.
So I enter the dark room.
I find a light switch and flip it on, scanning the space.
There is a large bed in the middle of the room.
On top of it is a pair of panties.
My eyes go wide with a realization…
Underneath them is a note that says: “This game is the kind that can never be won.”
Desmond searches around the room.
Looking through the closet.
Desmond
Emma, some of these clothes look like they're yours…
They are all filled with my clothes.
It’s like I’ve been living in this room.
I’ve never even been inside it until now.
Desmond enters the bathroom, turning on the light inside.
The bathroom is filled with my things also—
My toothbrush is beside the sink.
But Desmond is staring at something else…
A severed human pinky finger!
It’s wrapped in a plastic bag.
Right next to a bloody knife.
And I feel like I’m going to faint.
And make this nightmare go away.
I’m barely able to keep myself together.
And then my phone starts ringing.
It’s my mom calling again.
Another flurry of texts come in.
Mom
Nick has been abducted!
Mom
After an anonymous tip, the police searched your locker at school.
Mom
They found a knife with traces of Nick’s blood on it.
Mom
Students told the police you and Nick have been fighting lately.
Mom
It all doesn’t look good, Emma.
Mom
You’re wanted for the abduction of Nick.
I text her back, tears in my eyes.
My hands shaking are shaking.
Mom
Then turn yourself in.
Mom
Explain what is going on!
My phone buzzes yet again.
Except this time, it’s a text from Becky.
Becky
I can’t believe it.
Becky
You’re a monster, Emma!
Becky
Nick deserved better!
The sound of sirens blares outside.
I quickly put away my phone.
Desmond peaks out the window.
Desmond
Police are coming!
The whole room is set up to make me look guilty.
My clothes are in the drawers.
Nick’s pinky finger is in the bathroom.
Desmond looks down at his phone, reading something.
When he peers back up at me, he has a strange look on his face.
Desmond
Did you hurt Nick?!
I hear the police sirens getting closer.
Desmond looks around one more time…
And then reluctantly follows me.
Leaving the motel behind.
Behind us, I can hear the police cars skidding to a stop at the motel.
Desmond and I hurry away.
We go deeper and deeper into the forest.
And when we finally feel far away…
Desmond
Think we lost them?
