Followed

RODRIGUEZ

                I entered my office in my house and lifted my pen from my desk. A computer emerged from the desk, and I began to look up something in Incognito mode. I was looking up Jason Aborn, the cashier Sam had mentioned. I need to know which antique store he worked at. Cross Country Antiques. The SIU wanted this man desperately; if I handed him in, everyone below me would fear me. Respected and promoted. But if Sam knew I had turned him in, she would think I was a "bad spy" after all. Yet again, she wouldn't know he got turned in.

               I put the pen back. I checked my watch—eight-thirty-two p.m. I wanted to prepare for my night watch but couldn't leave my chair. Something just didn't feel right, like I wasn't alone. I got up, reticent. I wanted to grab my gun but remembered accidentally leaving it at Sam's house. How do you forget a weapon? If someone were there, I would have to rely on skills to help me. I walked out my office door. Someone was behind me. I knew it. I turned around quickly to see a fist flying for my face. I caught it. Daniel. Not only Daniel, Ruth. Tod was there, too. Many questions raced through my head, but I was mainly trying to figure out how they got into my house.

               They were all around me. Where's a gun when you need one? I have other weapons, but what gave me the time to grab them now? Still holding Daniel's fist, I didn't want someone to jump me from behind. I twisted his arm and used him to get the others out of my way. Then, Tod came running, with Ruth following close behind. This gave me an opportunity for time. I kicked Tod back, him ramming into Ruth, Ruth pummeling into Daniel. I call that one "Dominoes." I ran to get a different weapon, but Tod grabbed my arm, and I quickly turned around, wrapped my leg around his arm, and kicked him in the face five times. Tod fell to the floor, and Daniel tried to attack me, but I gave him the uppercut, and he, too, fell. I looked at Ruth. She was kind of just standing there, holding back laughs. The doorbell rang. Who could that be this late at night?

               "Coming!" I yelled and started running down the steps. The three followed behind. I swung open the door to see Sam.

               "Hi, you left your gun–" I snatched it, gave her a desperate look, and slammed the door. I grabbed Ruth and shoved the gun barrel under her throat.

               "Don't move."