Knock Three Times by Emerald O'Brien

Author:Emerald O'Brien
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emerald O'Brien

9

It takes all the courage I have to creep toward the eyehole and look through at the dark, empty porch on the other side. I hover my finger over the emergency call button on my cell phone as I flick on the porch lights with my other hand. Nothing. I peer out onto either side. Nothing.

That water meter reader. He was weird, wasn’t he? There was something off about him. What if he’s lurking? He came out of nowhere the first time. What do I do?

I glance over my shoulder into the house where the attic noise came from and stare at the front door, clenching my keys in my fist. I take a deep breath and open the door, step outside, and close it behind me. I tap Nicole’s name on my screen, and as it rings, I glance behind me at the front window, waiting for a shadow to cross it, or some light to reflect against it. The ringing continues, and I realize she’s probably still at the movie theatre and likely has it turned off as the voicemail message begins.

“Hi, you’ve reached Nicole McCown…”

Was it a coincidence the meter reader came right after Nicole left, when I was on my own?

After the beep, I hesitate. “Hey, Nic, I just got back from my date. It was… well… I’ll tell you about it when you call me back. Could you call me back soon? I’m feeling a little paranoid. Just hearing noises at the house and… someone knocked on the door.” Did they? “I looked right away.” Did I? “There wasn’t anyone there.” Was there? “Just call me back, please.”

I end the call and turn back to the house. Minutes ago, it felt like my only safe place. I don’t think I can go back inside—not alone. Not with those noises.

I take a step down and sit on the stairs, keeping a wide vantage point of the property lines on either side of the house. The view should give me enough time to get back inside if anyone approaches.

Crickets chirp around me. I start scrolling through my phone, looking for someone to help.

Logan is still a contact—only to make sure I recognize the number I blocked if it ever comes through. Apparently, I don’t need that anymore, now that he’s found other ways to reach me.

I scroll through to Nic. I already left her a message. She’ll get back to me as soon as she can.

I scroll back up to find “McCown” but stop short by a bit, landing on “Mike” instead. Would it be weird if I called Mike? What would I say? I’m scared—come save me. Nope. I don’t want him to come over. Never mind the rule—I don’t even know him, really, but I don’t have anyone else to call, except…

I tap Nicole’s mom’s name, Theresa, and press the phone to my ear as it rings. They’re two hours behind, so they might be finishing dinner.

“Hello?” Her friendly, familiar voice calms me enough to speak.

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