So, Now What?

Creeping

As I walked down the lamp lit street, I couldn't help but feel cold. It looked like rain any moment. Yes I can tell even when it's dark. I don't know how, I just know. The ground crunched under my feet despite my every effort to creep stealthily along the silent buildings. The echoes rang in my ears like static from a radio, and although the sound might be minimal, I held no hope of surprising my quarry.

I stopped by a mailbox to check my watch. The box looked like it had been beaten by a bat and I could imagine that only the most hopefull of correspondents would ever drop a letter in and expect it to ever leave the bottom. Mailmen didn't want to be here anymore than I did.

11:23 pm...

Still too early. I couldn't be late if I tried. I had tried, many times, but by some force of will beyond my control I was always too early. Forced to wait while minutes that seemed as individual eternities ambled by.

As I admonished myself a dart of shadow stabbed at the corner of my eye. I jerked my eyes to the spot, only to see nothing but the shady street replace it before my focus could reel it in. Either I was nuts or he was early too. Probably both...

Given the choice of 6 more eternal minutes and the curiosity of that moment, I gave in and followed the ghost of a shadow to the alley entrance from whence it had dove. My shoes laughingly gave me away as I approached and again pretended that I would learn to walk more silently someday.

As I slowly peered into the murky depths of the alley, one thing stole my vision. A broken window, lit from behind. Clearly he was here. I pulled my gun and crept loudly toward the light, as it's visage drowned out all else that may have been there.

I stopped just beside and took a long deep breath. I was being stupid and I knew it. I should wait for the others, but it was too late. I had made my choice and couldn't get away now if I wanted to.

I turned to quickly to the window, but never saw it. From behind came another crunching shoe and the remaining glass was shattered. My ears rang for a second and then all was silent. He had gotten here first was the only thought that permeated my consciousness for that brief second, but he hadn't gotten the last laugh...

posted by Shane @ 12:18 PM