The Locksmith's Scratches

Share story The locksmith examined the door. It had multiple scratches all across the surface. A cat was trapped underneath all the clutter. The scratches were definitely recent and deliberate work of the locksmith. He confused himself with what they meant. Eventually this making sense to him. His partner interrupted and warned her not to examine. A knock came from the wall at the basement. Her voice came from the basement calling for the partner. Her partner rushed back to his keys. The voice echoed through the basement and the sound grew faster. The voice came down the stairs. A shadow appeared in darkness. The shadow grew louder while she approached. She grabbed the lockpick from the lockbox then he turned to listen. A voice called out softly. His hands reached for his wallet so he fumbled. The voice said run toward the ladder and he froze. Suddenly the locksmith dropped his flashlight. Her breath quickened with panic and she ran. His breath caught on anything is real and she stopped running.