Wild Stories 1- The Shadow

Chapter One: The Phone Call

Wild was spinning around his living room, trying not to run into anything and failing. He had fallen over the coffee table for the second time when he heard the telephone ring.

He crawled over to it and snatched it up, waiting in silence for the person to answer. On one occasion, no one had answered, as they had only been calling to ensure he wasn't home. Then they had broken in.

Capturing three burglars, ending their crime streak and rubbing it all in Inspector Adam's face was just a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. He couldn't wait to do it again.

"Hello?" said a shaky voice on the other end. "Is this Mr. Wild, the private detective?"

"Yes, that's me. Are you alright? What do ya need?" He said conversationally, jumping onto the sofa near his phone.

"It's just... well it's probably just me, but I think I'm being followed. Stalked really. I would go to the police, but I'm not sure if I'm being silly."

Wild tutted and went to search for some paper to write things down on. "My dear fellow, people are usually correct with these things. Expect when they're not of course. Ahem, what makes you think that you're being followed?"

"Well, I'm not sure. I just see her everywhere that I am. If I'm doing the shopping, she will be too. And I've seen her at my house too, walking around it and writing things down."

"I see.... And how long has this been going on?"

"Um, about three months."

"You poor thing, I'd be a wreck by then. What does she look like?"

"She usually wears a long green coat, and has long light brown hair tied in a bun. She wears a dark green hat too, so I'm not entirely sure what her face looks like. Sometimes she wears dark red lipstick. I've caught her staring at me a few times."

"I have an idea, but it is slightly odd. I think your dear old brother should come pay you a visit, and you should show him around town. That way she can't try anything."

"I don't have a brother?"

"Oh, I meant me. Garfield something or other. I can whip up a new disguise and come over in a day or two. I usually find threats are better faced with a friend. If you're uncomfortable with the idea, we can certainly try something else. It is an odd one."

"No, that sounds rather nice actually. I'll admit, I've been rather jumpy here all alone. Won't it be a bother for you?"

"Not at all, I've been meaning to do something different anyway. This house is boring as sin. What's your address?"

"82 Brokeman Road, London."

Wild coughed. "Excellent. Well I'll see you tomorrow then? I'll drive over at about 5 pm if that's alright. Try to avoid dark alleyways, shady establishments and just generally don't die."

"Thank you. This really means a lot to me."

"No trouble at all mate. Let's hope there's nothing to it all, but there's no harm in checking is there?"

"No sir. There is something else though. I have a little girl at home, named Laura. She's about 8 years old and well, I'm scared that the person could break in while she's alone."

"Ah, I see. I can imagine that would be nerve wracking. We can take turns watching her if you'd like."

"I'd appreciate that, thank you."

"Wonderful, see you soon."

Wild smiles and hangs up. He bounces contentedly on the sofa before realising that he's the kind of idiot that doesn't ask for his clients name. He supposes he'll find out in a day or two. Wait a day or two? No, one day, he'll be over tomorrow. He sighed and jotted that down as well. He really needed a secretary.