I treated myself to snacks and wine from the convenience store downstairs, going outside for the first time at dusk, my confidence brimming. Then I settled on the sofa for the night to celebrate. I wanted to ring Jane, but I couldn’t disturb her weekend away, it wouldn’t be fair. And I knew she’d talk me out of it. Any sane person would. I’d have to keep it to myself.

I couldn’t concentrate on the movie I’d chosen; my mind was on him. What was he doing? I imagined him angry, smashing through his flat in frustration at his attack being foiled. Had he gone straight back out to find someone else? Surely it would have been too risky? He had to assume she’d gone to the police.

Many crimes of this type were not reported, and I knew why. What was the point if you had no confidence in the police finding the perpetrator? A flawed justice system where the witness is cross-examined, their character smeared, allowing the offender to walk free. If I gave them his name and address, it would still be his word against mine. No witnesses, no DNA, no decent CCTV. The case wouldn’t even make it to court, and even if by some miracle it did, what jury would convict based solely on my circumstantial evidence? To be guilty, it had to be beyond reasonable doubt and I couldn’t give the police that.

I knew it was him, but it wasn’t enough. He would never be convicted. It was the reason I had to step in. Make sure he got exactly what he deserved…

Sunday 29 October 2017

Awaking with a jolt, the room pitch-black; I was convinced I’d heard a noise outside. From the kitchen, there was a narrow black iron balcony with spiral stairs to the ground below. A fire escape, which every apartment above the parade of shops had. The sound I was sure I’d heard was metal creaking. The balcony made that sound when someone was on it. Groaning under the strain of any weight. Ben and I barely used it, convinced it was a death trap.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness. The television had gone into standby and I remained still, my head tipped to one side, ear raised to the air. Had he found me? What if he had seen me nosing around the entrance to his building and followed me home. Fuck, why hadn’t I been more careful?

There it was again, the sound reminiscent of a gate blowing in the wind, the creaking of rusty metal. Someone was on the balcony.