Bio: Heidi Bailey grew up on the West Coast in Marin County, California. Currently, she is living in Northern California’s Sonoma County (aka “Wine Country”). She is a Graduate of College of Marin with a degree in Performing Arts, but her true love has always been writing fiction; her genre, suspenseful/short story fiction. After College, Heidi graduated from Long Ridge Writers Group in West Redding, Connecticut. She’s had featured articles in several newspapers and newsletters of a local Mothers’ Club. She is also the “Ask Mama” Columnist of the Mothers’ Club Newsletter. Married 9-years to her best friend and inspiration, she is the mother of a two-year-old girl and four-year-old boy.

Cagey

by Heidi Bailey

From here, he could see the entire room. On the sofa sat his victim drinking coffee, reading the morning paper. 

His friends and family always warned him about taking too many risks, but that was his life. Living on the edge gave him incredible satisfaction. He became addicted to danger, and he learned to be extremely sly. In fact, he was so cunning, everyone nicknamed him "Cagey". 

Cagey’s skills were known in all circles of society. Younger generations made Cagey their mentor. Their hero of heroes.

Now, he waited. Watching his prey with anticipation, his mouth parched. Rubbing his hands together, he prepared himself. Beads of sweat formed on his brow and he wiped his face. Wiping once, twice, and again for good measure. 

He was neurotic that way.  

Everything had to be perfect before he made his move. He scrutinized the defenseless old man who seemed oblivious to his presence in the shadows.  

Cagey's body tensed. Every sensation aroused; every hair stood on end. His heart pounded. He felt good. He felt ready.  

The man set his coffee down, continuing to read.  

Cagey approached the cup first. Discreetly, he sipped. Delicious! His taste buds went wild. The sugar, the cream, oh how wonderful it tasted! 

Studying his victim, he sipped again. His body pulsed with vivacity! Exhilarated at his continued anonymity, he couldn't help himself. He did a little two-step dance. Still, the old man kept reading. How could someone be so incognizant of what was happening? 

Seduced by danger, Cagey tiptoed behind the sofa, peering over his victim's shoulder. This close, he could smell the old man. Perspiration, deodorant, and sweet coffee formed a potpourri tantalizing Cagey's senses. He drew in a deep breath, absorbing all the smells. Moving closer, he accidentally touched his victim's shoulder and his victim abruptly stood. Cagey ducked.

"What the . . ." the man said, looking around. He itched the back of his neck and readjusted his robe. Picking up his paper, he sat down. 

Without hesitation Cagey moved right in, looking over the man’s shoulder. His prey moved slightly, but proceeded to read. Now Cagey felt bold. He gently caressed the back of his victim's neck. All at once, the old man scratched. But Cagey was too quick. He moved like lightning, avoiding being caught. Waiting a moment, he again fondled his victim's neck, migrating into his silver hair.  

"That's it!" His victim yelled, standing up with rapid speed. Nevertheless, Cagey proved to be faster. He slipped behind the sofa once more. It took everything to prevent a giggle from escaping his lips. Holding his breath, he waited for his victim to settle. Instead, he heard nothing.

Cautiously, he peered over the couch. The coffee cup was there but his victim was gone. Suddenly, he smelled the familiar odor. Cagey turned around too late.  

WHACK!  

 The swatter came down in one powerful blow.  

"Damn fly."  

©Heidi Bailey