Jeff just bet me 20 bucks that I'm too much of a goody two-shoes to prank call the police. Hah, easiest money ever! I quickly browse for the local police department number. Then, I place the phone on the coffee table, and set it in speaker mode. I can hear stifled laughter around me, as someone answers the phone. I become 20 dollars richer by saying "Please help me, there's a demon outside."
I get a prompt reply: "We know. Stay inside. There's help on the way."
We stare at each other, dumbfounded. The phone is still on the coffee table, and we can see that the police ended the call. Did we just get counter-pranked? Rita's the first to react.
"That was... weird. Was that a joke?"
"It had to be."
"But can they do that? Can they joke like that in these calls?"
"I guess so. I mean, what else could it be?"
Paul smiles and leans back on the couch, his hands behind his head.
"Damn, they're good. They got you. They totally got you."
We start laughing. And then we suddenly stop. Police sirens. Approaching.
"You guys hear that?", asks James.
We all nod.
"You don't think...?"
"Nah... no way... has to be a coincidence."
As we hear the sound getting louder, we start getting nervous. Paul gets up.
"That seems real close."
Rita is looking at the window.
"They're coming here. Did they trace the call?"
We can now see lights flashing outside. We hear cars pulling over. Four doors open and close.
A gunshot!
"What the hell was that?" - James panics.
There are shouts outside.
"Look out!"
"The bastard's moving!"
Another shot. And another. And another.
Paul is screaming. "Oh my God, what's going on outside?"
Rita holds Paul's hand tight. James, Kim and Jeff hide behind the couch. I'm too scared to move.
Someone yells outside. A thud. A car alarm goes off.
"The son of a bitch got Spears! Take him out! Take him out now!"
Two more gunshots. Something crashes hard against the wall. We have to cover our eyes as a bright light blinds us through the windows.
When the light goes out, there's only silence. I can hear my own heart beating incredibly fast. I think I can even hear Rita's hearbeat. No one says a word, but we're all thinking the same thing. Is it over?
We all jump as we hear three knocks on the door.
Then, silence.
Three more knocks.
Silence.
The door comes down.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
