The uninvited guest (611 words)

 

It was very cold at this time of year, and the chill wind added to the discomfort. I sat aimlessly on a raised parapet wall near the metro station lounge. Without a ticket, I couldn’t access the warm, comfortable seats inside. With nowhere to go and no money to spend, I had just finished my last cigarette when I heard the shuffle of feet beside me.

Looking weary and unkempt, a young woman in her early twenties approached. "Can I sit here for a while? A jerk has been stalking me, and if he sees us talking, he might leave me alone."

I turned and saw a tall, muscular man with a county cap walking away. I asked,” Okay, sit down. Tell me, where do you live? It’s obvious you’re not travelling by train."

"Frankly, I have no place to go. I’m just wandering around," she replied

"Where were you living before?"

"With a man for six months until he threw me out this morning."

"Why did he throw you out? Another woman?"

"I don’t know. He didn’t give a reason. I moved in on the day I met him because I had no place to go. Maybe he found out I lost my job as a barmaid last week," she replied

I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to leave her alone in the dangerous night, but I was wary of bringing a stranger to my room.

She broke my reverie, touching my hand. "Please help me for tonight. I promise I’ll leave in the morning."

Seeing the stalker lurking nearby, I decided. "Okay, come with me. My room is small; you’ll have to sleep on the floor and leave at daybreak. Clear?"

We walked through dark, dingy lanes until we reached my basement room. It was self-contained, with a bath and kitchenette. I handed her a faded pair of jeans and a shirt. "Take a shower. You can use the soap and shampoo. These clothes should fit you. Remember, you’re leaving in the morning."

"Thank you," she said, shaking my hand. "I’ll be quick."

As she showered, I heard a noise and saw her peeking out. She closed the door swiftly and continued her shower. When she emerged, she looked transformed.

"You look amazing," I said.

"Thank you. I’m starving. Can I check your fridge?"

"No, sit down. I have pizza, an apple, and milk if you want to warm it."

I had already prepared a bed on the floor for her "You can eat and then sleep. I’m dead tired and going to bed. No funny business. I’m just being hospitable."

At 7 AM, a loud knock jolted me awake. The woman wasn’t in bed, but the bathroom light was on. I opened the door slightly to see the stalker push his way in.

"Where’s the lady?" he demanded.

"Who are you to barge into my place? Get out!" I shouted.

He flashed an identity card from the Anti-Drugs Authority and let in two armed men. Shocked, I turned towards the bathroom as the door opened.

The stalker saluted her, sending a chill down my spine. She spoke softly but firmly, "Check the wall by the bed. He was meddling there last night."

"You dirty bitch," I swore as the men restrained me. They found a hidden vault with a large cache of contraband inside.

Handcuffed and pushed into a waiting car, she approached him and said, "Sorry, buddy. You were a good host, but I had my duty. We knew you had the stuff but needed solid evidence. Now we have it." She turned and walked to her chauffeured car, leaving me to face the consequences.