Noises in our second apartment house had me freaked, but I put my briefcase in the main house, and grabbed the large flashlight to explore...
Climbing up the dusty outside staircase, I clicked the flashlight on and thinking that it would be better to make a quiet entrance, slowly unlocked the door.
As soon as the door swung open, the smell of pot and cigarettes was instantly detected, and just as soon, the gasp of air and "shushes" was heard.
Before I could recover, a couple people pushed past me and out the door, pulses racing- adrenaline high. I swung the flashlight towards the noise, and caught the glimpse of another person. This one however, realized that I stood in front of the only way out of the apartment and ran upstairs instead.
"Hold it right there!" I shouted- probably as frightened as the person was as I ran upstairs- 2 steps at a time- until I reached the upstairs landing.
Cornered
Only 2 rooms upstairs- had to be one or the other.
I took this time to re-evaluate my predicament:
In a darkened house Chasing an unknown trespasser No defense (as in weapon) in case he/she was armed.
"Come out- you have absolutely no where to go!" I yelled nervously.
After what seemed at least a minute of waiting, much to my surprise I heard a voice: "O.K.- please don't hurt me!" a shaken, sweet young female responded.
I walked down the hall, following the beam of the flashlight, and stopped in my tracks.
There, caught in the light, was a young, 20-something shorthaired brunette, wearing a red fuzzy tank top, and super tight and shiny black vinyl jeans that reflected the light of the flashlight like a mirror. She was scared and shaking and huddled in the corner.
"It's it's ok I stammered"- "Don't worry- let's talk" I said trying to calm her down.
"I'm really sorry- my friends put me up to it" She sobbed. "Please don't call the police- please!" she pleaded. "Maybe we can work something out," she suggested as I walked closer and she can see me.
"I am absolutely fed-up with vandalizers- you assholes spray painted graffiti, broke windows, and other shit to my house- Why should I clean up after you fucks- I work damm hard on this house- you spoiled brats fuck everything up- start learning respect!" I started to vent.
As I was talking she started to stand and walk over to me. I went silent and watched her walk by the light of the flashlight. The squeaking sounds of her jeans and click-clack of her high-heeled boot-shoes was almost deafening as she sauntered over.
"I am so sorry- how can I make it up to you?" she was now directly in front of me.