Sleeping With Knives

I met a guy last night.

He was about my age, 6'2"-ish with dark hair, a great smile, and a very comforting presence. He didn't leave my house until about 1:30 this morning, but when he did I felt calm and safe.

I'm hoping that I never see him again.

Why?

He was one of the six (6!) members of the Sheriff's Department who were dispatched to my house around 1am this morning to investigate a prowler.

Because having some creepy freak lurking around my house is EXACTLY what I needed this week.

I must have dozed off watching television in my living room because I woke up with a start around 12:30 in the morning - I had that unsettling feeling that I'd been woken by a loud noise even though it was silent in my house. I heard a few leaves rustling below my south-facing windows, but I assumed it was a raccoon or skunk so I didn't think anything of it as I turned off the TV and the lights.

A moment later I was still standing in my dark living room, trying to decide whether I wanted to take a shower or just go straight to bed, when I saw a male figure pop up outside one of the southern windows. He walked across my lawn, froze when my neighbor's motion-sensor light came on, then darted around to the far side of my house. Since there's a window in my bathroom, I crept in there and peeked out to see if I could tell where the guy had gone.

He was RIGHT THERE, no more than eight inches away from the window, and just standing there. It was too dark for me to make out his features (even basic ones), but I did manage to form a mental picture of his build & his clothes before I crept out of the bathtub.

Until then I thought that I was spooking myself unnecessarily, that he was just some guy who'd walked too close to my house on his way to one of my neighbor's houses, but the fact that he was lurking there in the shadows compelled me to retrieve the phone (and my camping knife) and call 911.

As I was on the phone with the operator, I could see the prowler circling the dark sides of my house (he stayed away from the lit driveway in the back and the motion-sensor light in the front) and could hear him rustling around in the leaves below my windows. When the operator asked if I had any weapons she seemed glad to hear that I have several pointy & sharp things in the house and that I know how to use all of them.

Six lovely men with Maglites & guns showed up a few minutes later and searched the entire property as well as the grassy/wooded area behind our garages. Unfortunately they found nothing except a few footprints under my bathroom window, so the Hot Cop told me that they'd drive by the house a few more times during the night and that I should definitely call 911 again if the prowler returned. I thanked them and then barricaded myself inside my home, setting things that would make noise in front of my door and vulnerable windows and taking both my knife and the phone to bed with me.

I'd be lying if I said that I got much sleep, though.

The most unsettling thing, really, is that there's no way to know if this prowler is some random freak who thought my house looked interesting, or someone who targeted me specifically. If it's the former, hopefully the speedy show of police force was enough to scare him off. If it's the latter, I can definitely expect to see him again.

Several friends have offered to let me stay at their houses, but I have declined. I have strong lungs and 200 pounds of muscle to protect me, not to mention many sharp things and 911 on speeddial.

I refuse to be scared away from my own home; this is my sanctuary and tresspassers are not welcome.

So, how was your night?

Addendum (for those of you who have asked): No, I don't think the prowler is related to this incident nor do I think it was my ex skulking around; he has a very distinct silhouette and gait which I can identify in an instant from 50 yards.

Comments

[Hilary]

Holy crap Amanda. That is so scary. Please be safe.

[Sonja]

Oh my god. :o

I really really hope that he doesn't come back - that is freakishly scary.

[Chana]

I hate this. I'm nervous just reading your post. Do you want Chester to come for a visit? His bark is very fierce. I can also bring my sword, which I find very comforting in situations like this.

[Chandra]

Yeesh! That is just... terrifying. :::hugs::: I really hope the prowler does *not* return.

[ninja rad]

the thing that is comforting to me after reading this is something imnplied in the post, you know how to use the sharp things in yrr house and protect yrrself. it's gross/creepy/weird and i will offer as much mace/protection as everyone else, but i think it's just much more icky-creepiness than something for you to fear.

[Kathleen]

Jesus! Take care!

[Teece]

OMG... EEEK! what the hell?!?! that is most frightening. I know you are strong and brave, but PLEASE be careful and feel free to show up at my doorstep anytime of night. the love sac is a great place to crash when needed.