The Night shift

 

His face was serene.

It had been a difficult night, by all accounts, and it had taken him an age to finally feel at peace.

He had first ventured out at about 4.30pm after awakening from a power nap much needed after his previous shift. The wintery sun was lowering in the sky after a day of sunshine and showers, the ground still damp with a few scattered puddles, which he carefully avoided.

His search began. 

Patrolling the streets was not an easy task, but he had made sure he was prepared before leaving the house, but this pesky villain had eluded him for weeks now and he was becoming increasingly frustrated. The suspect had been leaving clues around the neighbourhood. There had been several reports locally of break-ins in sheds and gardens with some signs of devastation left behind.

Being December, the day seemed to slip into night with such ease and without much warning, The Christmas lights illuminated the pathways. It looked great, he thought, but it was bound to scare the perpetrator away. He much preferred walking in the dark anyway. His eyesight was something he prided himself on, especially at night.

Turning the corner as quietly as he could, he heard clattering amongst the nearby bins, rolled out for the imminent morning collection. It had to be who he was looking for, he could sense it. He held his breath, trying desperately to not be seen and remain calm. His heart was beating so loudly, he was sure it could be heard and give up his position. He couldn't jeopardise the operation now. Slowly, he stepped out from behind and moved deftly towards the bin, hoping to use the element of surprise to finally catch the scoundrel.

3...2...1.. he counted himself down in his head and jumped out. Damn, They'd gone. Another hour wasted.

This pursuit was something else! He usually was able to catch trouble makers within hours, not weeks! He had to start thinking more logically about this.

He had to find where they camped out. Surely it was close by? He had patrolled the local park, the school perimeter and behind the row of shops, a usual hang out by local misfits and ruffians. Where else would be a suitable hiding place? Maybe it was time to venture out of his patrol boundary - he could get into huge trouble, but it was a risk he had to take, especially as nobody else had taken this delinquent down!

He walked tentatively along the edge of his patrol boundary, stepping across the border into new territory, hoping not to get spotted by whoever patrolled this plot. He had to pretend he was confident, if only to fool himself that he could do this. He reached the alleyway which stretched alongside a stream. It was all new to him, but something did feel familiar, as if he was somehow close to home despite being far from it.

 That's when he saw the perpetrator - almost brazen stood there staring him straight in the eyes, as if goading him. 

He gave chase, heart pounding once again as if it was ready to burst out of his chest. Faster and faster he pounded, not caring any longer about stealth or silence. He reached out as far as he could and grabbed the vigilante, finally fulfilling the job he had been so tirelessly carrying out for so long. 

It was over.

His face was serene.

At last he could rest knowing the streets were safe from one less vermin tonight. Tired, yet satisfied, he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Copyright Clair Maskell 2024