Page 11 of Asher's Assignment
Esther pulled a blind slat down and looked out at the sidewalk. “No.”
“Call the police. Don’t you dare answer it.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.” With trembling fingers, she called 9-1-1.
In two rings, a dispatcher picked up. “Coos County Emergency.”
“Hi, um, I’m not sure if this is an emergency or even what to call it, but there’s a man on the sidewalk outside, and he was staring at me through the window. And just now, someone’s knocked on my door.” Saying it out loud made Esther feel really stupid and like a big chicken. “I’m sorry. I know I sound a little loony, but he freaked me out. He had a hood up and I couldn’t see his face?—”
“It’s not a problem. Could you tell me your address, please?”
Esther relayed the information.
“I’ll alert the officers in your area to keep an eye out,” the dispatcher said. “Are you able to see who’s at your door without opening it?”
“No. I mean, I can peek out my front windows, but I’ll only be able to see someone if they’re walking away.”
“Go do that and tell me if you see anyone.”
“Okay.” Esther glanced at Edie and held up a finger, then walked away.
In the living room, she shifted the sheer curtains to the side and peeked through the blinds. The area in front of her house was empty. “No one’s there,” she told the dispatcher.
“What about outside the window where you first saw him? Is he there?”
“I don’t think so. He wasn’t when I called.”
“Look again.”
Esther backtracked to the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” Edie asked.
Holding up a finger again, Esther turned the stick for the blinds and looked out. “He’s gone.”
“Okay. Just make sure all your doors and windows are locked. I’ll alert patrol. If you have any other issues, please call us back.”
“I will.” Esther frowned and assessed the world outside. Her neighborhood was generally quiet, but this late, nothing moved.
“Have a good evening.”
“You too. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Goodnight.”
“Bye.” Grimacing, Esther hung up.
“Well?” Edie asked.
“She’s alerting patrol. And told me to make sure my doors and windows are all locked.”
“Good advice. Are they?”
“They should be. I’ll check again.”
“I’m hanging up and calling you on your phone.” Edie’s hand moved toward the camera.
“You don’t need to do that, Edie. I’m fine. I’ll go check the locks, then I’ll probably take a shower and read for a while.” She’d been ready to go to bed after the movie, having been up since six-thirty. But she was too keyed up now to fall asleep.
