Nothing in the world can compare to the fear of having your own door kicked in except for having your door kicked in and your pants around your ankles.
I must be cursed. I knew I was right. I just am not meant to move on after Martha. Every time I try something like this happens.
"WALT!"
I hold my finger to my lips and look toward Donna. She's being quiet so I don't give her much more of my attention. I've already managed to pull my pants back on but I have no idea where my shirt went.
"WALT!"
Whoever it is, they aren't going to wait forever. I guess I really should be thankful they aren't shooting at me given my last couple of months. Move to the country they said. It's quiet they said. My 1911 is with my badge on the table by the door so I grab the revolver from under the bed. I shoot another glance at Donna. She's mostly dressed and doesn't seem overly concerned. Maybe in her line of work confrontation is easier.
"WALT! I'm getting tired of waiting!"
"Ok," I respond, "Can I at least know what's going on first?"
Silence. Well, that's new. Usually I'm on the other end of silence. I wait but there is still nothing. I start to peak around the door frame.
It's late in the evening but still another 15 minutes until dark. The sun is coming straight in the front windows of the cabin and whoever is standing in my living room has the perfect advantage. I continue to move slowly through the door frame and scan for any movement that might tell me who this is and where they are standing. I'm listening but can't hear anything useful either.
I blink to try to clear my vision toward the bright sun just as he speaks again.
"Walt, I never took you for a chicken." I recognize the voice but I can't place it.
"Just cautious is all…" I'm startled as Donna has moved in behind me. She's still not visible to the man in the living room but I was so busy listening for him I didn't hear her get up.
"I'm getting real tired of waiting Walt. I've been waiting a year to do this to that little bitch and you're going to be perfect."
It must be Donna's patient but who is it. I know I've heard that voice before. I need a couple more minutes for the sun to drop just a little lower so I'll be able to see him better. I also need to figure out if he is armed and if so with what. I decided to procrastinate by starting a conversation.
"Just what is it you are planning to do?" I wait for his response.
"Get even."
"What do you think she's done to you? Maybe we can talk about this?" Donna should be proud. I think about her and it reminds me how close she is behind me.
About that time Donna steps around me. I try to stop her but she's already within sight.
"Ed! You don't have to do this. You were making such great progress…"
"Gorski" I say it before I can reel it back in. Or maybe I thought it so loudly everyone could hear it.