Page 17 of Redd

Why was this end of the home so dark and dirty? Why didn't the same house I was just in merge with this area?

Rounding a corner, I spotted a door against the far wall. Stopping short, I looked closer and noticed the locks were on the outside.

What the hell. . .

Taking a quick glance over my shoulder, I made sure that the two goons were still on the other side of the house and not creeping up on me.

Quietly, I walked to the door, and gently touched the dead bolt. It was strange to see a door like that, locked on the outside, with not one, not two, but three locks.

The top of the door had a slide lock, the middle of the door had a dead bolt, and right below that was a chain lock.

Why the fuck is it like this?

Who locks a fucking closet?

Maybe this is where it is. . .My chest buzzed at the idea, fingers tingling to get inside and snatch my prize.

A soft drag echoed out from underneath the door, making me take a small step back.

What the hell was that?

Pushing my ear against the wood, I listened. I thought I could hear breathing, but it was so faint, I questioned the sound.

Maybe that's a pipe hissing?

Maybe it's the hot water tank starting up?

I tried to rationalize the sound, thinking of anything and everything that could also be behind that door. Homes had systems, they had working parts tucked away inside to keep it running.

But that thought didn't last long, it crumbled to dust as another quiet noise slipped out, hitting the tips of my toes and piercing my ears.

What if it's a person?

This guy could be some mob boss and he's got some asshole inside who screwed him over.

Backing away, I decided I had enough. Whatever he had, I wasn't sure if I even wanted it anymore.

I should just go home. Get the fuck out now, before something happens to me.

I started to turn and leave, forcing one foot in front of the other. As much as I wanted to score something big, I wasn't going to risk my life over it. I had something to live for.

In the silence of the hall, a scratching noise from behind the door made me stop. It was delicate, like someone was scraping loose paint off a plastic surface.

Staring at the door over my shoulder, I felt drawn to open it up, to see what was inside. Turning on my heels, I walked back and placed my hand on the cold wood.

What if it is a man? What if he charges me and kills me thinking I'm one of them?

The scratching stopped as I stood outside and I heard a shuffle across the floor, moving away from the door.

Fuck it, just look.

Maybe they need your help.

Taking a deep breath, I slid the chain back and let it drop free. The metal swung back and forth like the hand of a grandfather clock, counting the seconds. Raising my hand to the top of the door, I slipped the rod free, letting all the air out of my lungs in one long whoosh.

Curling my fingers around the deadbolt, I kept my gaze on the shiny metal.

This is fucking stupid, you know it's fucking stupid.