The Big Black Night

It was a dark and stormy night... 

A dim light shone in a small room. It offered a balance to the glow of the neon sign just outside the window. Painted on the window was Cube Investigations with the tagline "We Have the Time to Solve The Crime On Your Dime".

Max Cube sat behind a desk, his feet up and his arms stretched back behind his head. A cigarette dangled from his lips; smoke drifted hazily towards the ceiling. He tried not to think since, for some reason, his thoughts were broadcast out loud to no one in particular. And, for some reason, the same or another, everything was black & white.

The music from the radio was loud enough to drown out some of the noise coming from street level, but not quite all of it. Max loved the sound of the traffic below his office. He chuckled to himself. Being a paranormal investigator was a good life.

The phone rang. Max let it ring three times before picking it up. 

"Yo," was all that he said.

"Mr Cube?" a voice inquired.

"The one and only," he lied.

"Good." The voice sounded reassured. "I was wondering if I could ask you a question?"

"It's going to cost you," Max said. He leaned forward and butted out the cigarette. He reached for the bottom drawer of the desk and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels and a glass. He poured himself a drink.

"How much?" the voice asked.

"Well, that depends on how severe the question is."