The map shows who is following
A courier follows a coded map to a real hidden archive. Its detours require conspicuous purchases, because the planner has an ally reading the security dispatch log and wants to discover which shops report the courier.
What we believe
The courier is told the extra stops help avoid patrols. Earlier, a dispatch clerk quietly gives the planner a page of time-stamped reports, establishing how reactions can be observed.
What changes
At each shop the map requests a different memorable purchase. The corresponding descriptions appear in the dispatch log, identifying the reporting checkpoints.
Plant this clue
A patrol asks about a purchase the courier made only minutes ago. She realizes the route is exposing her, and must decide whether to continue to the archive, confront the planner or change a stop to test who reports it.
Two ways to take it further
- Let the courier turn the route around after realizing the plan.
- Make the archive real, so the reveal changes the mission rather than canceling it.
The Cask of Amontillado
CueShelf original writing starter. Work examples are identified separately; this premise is not a plot summary.