"Go on," he prompted.

"I parked in the driveway. The place was dark and empty." Jackson began taking notes. "I went around back because Howie said the key he left with us fit the back door." He looked skeptical but didn't interrupt so I continued. "There was no light in the back of the house and I didn't have a flashlight so I had trouble getting the key in the lock. After I managed to get in I fished around for a light switch and found they didn't work. I felt my way to the back of the house and realized I couldn't see the end of my nose. It was pitch black in the bedroom where I was supposed to get the suit. I fished around in the kitchen for matches. I found some and returned to the bedroom closet. Just as I was reaching for Howie's suit, I saw a car pull into the driveway, without headlights."

"Without headlights?"

"Yes. That's what scared me. Howie was out of town and I couldn't imagine anyone visiting him at that time of night. Then I saw a figure get out of the car and creep around toward the back of the house."

"You must have pissed your pants. So what did you do next?"

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I seriously wondered if I had but I continued. "I reached for my cell phone but I'd left it at home. I remembered a hall phone so I dialed 911. I didn't manage to say much before I heard the sound of breaking glass. I scooted into the bedroom and closed the door. Oh, I left the phone off the hook."

"Good thinking. Then what happened?"

"I started to open the window to get out of there but I guess he heard me because he kicked down the door and grabbed me and cut me."

"But not deep enough to kill you. Why not? Just to scare you?"

"If that was his intention, it sure worked. He wanted to know if there was anyone else in the house."

"What did you tell him?"

It was difficult to remember step by step but I didn't want to get it wrong. "He heard the operator's voice on the telephone. He cursed me and yanked it out of the base and threw it across the room. It hit me, I think with the handle of the knife and when I went down, he kicked the shit out of me."

"And busted a few ribs. But he didn't try to kill you, did he?"

"It sure seemed like it at the time."

"Keep going."

"I passed out for a few minutes, I guess, and then I thought I was alone so I started crawling toward the door. Then I heard you coming. He came out of nowhere and grabbed me again. I think I yelled."




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