Shook (#WriteWithZo)

Chapter 1

It was 18:00 when Stacy Snow finished her training; half an hour later she was ready to leave the gym and go home. She was about to cross the door when Alfred called out her name from the reception desk.

– Stacy, if you wait a couple of minutes I can go with you.

– Do not worry, dude. I will be fine. See you tomorrow.

Stacy waved her right hand and blew him a kiss; she looked sad. Alfred was a friend of hers many years ago and she used to be a cheerful and fun girl. However, a few weeks before, Stacy showed him some disturbing messages that someone had sent anonymously to her phone.

– Stacy, you should report that mysterious guy – he conveyed – He is harassing you.

– It is not necessary, Alfred. I can take care of myself and do not fear him – Stacy raised her fists in a defiant pose.

The evening had fallen and temperature was kind enough to enjoy a walk. Stacy decided to pass by the harbour. The sea scent and the breeze caressing her long brunette hair were the perfect cure to her problems. Some boats, tied to the port, rocked slowly back and forth by the waves. Everything looked perfect but Stacy felt something weird; she started to feel chills crossing her body. Then the phone vibrated in her pocket.

"You look really sexy today" said the message.

He was there. Stacy looked left and right, but in the dusk hour it was not easy to see clearly. She was alone, surrounded by shadows and covered by a dim light slightly broken by a few lamps along the boardwalk. Stacy step backwards and turned around ready to go away; then she saw him in the distance, standing in the pathway about a hundred meters from her position. She was blocked. On one side it was the pier and the sea; on the other side it was him, walking towards her slow but confident.

She had a few seconds to take a decision. She left the bag fall on the floor and jumped over the boardwalk, landing two meters below the pier. There she hid behind a pillar and waited for endless seconds until the harasser appeared. He looked troubled as he could not see her.

– Do not hide, Stacy! I will find you! – he shouted.

Stacy's answer was immediate. She leapt forward from her hideout while throwing her right fist straight to his jaw. He stumbled back, taken by surprise. Stacy blew another punch to his head followed by a middle kick to the body. He fell on his knees. Stacy took advantage of her position and landed an elbow strike on his temple. He felt nearly unconscious.

When the police patrol arrived a few minutes later, they found Alfred tied to the boardwalk handrail with his belt. Stacy stood next to him, sad but proud.