Knock Knock Knock!
I opened my eyes. I knew I wasn’t dreaming.
Knock knock!
I could tell it was light outside. I reached over and picked my phone off the bedside table. 0705.
‘Who the hell is knocking on my door at…’
Knock Knock Knock!
I got out of bed.
Knock knock knock knock!
‘Geezus’, I thought, ‘What the hell…’
Knock knock knock knock!
I donned the gym shorts I’d dropped to the floor when I’d gone to bed scant hours before. I picked up my Taurus .45 and put my thumb on the safety. I made my way to the door. The knocking became more fervent.
Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock!
I realized now that the knocking was against the wall near the door. The security screen would have made a metallic sound. I turned slightly to the right and held the big Taurus behind my leg, my index finger tickling the trigger guard. With my left hand I unlocked the door. I opened it.
Nothing.
I unlocked the security door and opened it, stepping outside.
There he was, against the railing, sporting his now familiar red beret. He looked at me. I looked back and we locked eyes. He stared, unwavering. I glared back. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and screamed at me. And then he was gone.
Slowly, I let out the breath I’d been holding in. I relaxed. After a quick glance around I closed and locked both doors. Making my way back to the comfort of my bed I muttered to myself.
‘Too damned early for this shit. Geezus. Pain in the ass.’
Pulling the covers over my chest I half hoped there was a choking-sized grub in his future.
‘Asshole.’
Gila Woodpecker
Chalk Dust 