Note (May 2007): I modified to set the story in the USA. Specifically, Wellington became Washington, and 111 became 911.
MARY McARTHUR beamed as the TV zoomed in on her husband campaigning in Washington.
``...government has NO right to violate our privacy...We'll pass a...''
That's when when it started.
SMASH!
Mary heard the intruder enter through the kitchen window. She grabbed the cordless, held her breath as she punched ``911'' and listened tensely.
``Rrrrrinn...''
But relief was short-lived. The line went dead before the ring ended. In horror, she realised the main phone was in the kitchen. He'd cut the cord.
Sure enough, there he was now -- Brandishing a rusty old knife in his right hand and the severed phone cord in his left.
``Tryin' to call the cops, eh? Bitch!'' he growled. ``I've been watchin' you for months.''
Mary inched towards the doorway.
``Don't you try anythin' funny sweetie. I've got plans for us.''
Soon he had pinned Mary against the wall. ``Put this cord to good use now, ay?'' he barked fiendishly.
Just then, three knocks sounded.
Ugly fingers stopped her mouth. ``Or else...'' he warned.
The knocking turned into pounding. ``POLICE!'' said a firm voice. ``OPEN UP!''
A look of unpleasant surprise flashed across his face. He spun her around and stuck the knife into her blouse from behind holding the point to her heart.
``Listen carefully'' he rasped. ``Tell'em to go away. Make it look natural. Understand?'' He pressed the blade in slightly as if to ensure.
Nodding helplessly, Mary undid the latch, leaned over and looked through a crack of an opening at two officers.
``Dialled 911 Mrs McArthur?''
The pressure of the knife against her flesh forced out a hasty ``No.''
``Are you sure ma'am?''
``Yes...quite sure'' A drop of blood trickled down her stomach. ``Might've been accidental.''
``We'd like to check anyway ma'am, if you don't mind?'' the female officer enquired.
He shook his head and tightened his grip around her waist, cautioning against a wrong reply.
``I'm sorry...I'd rather be alone now. Everything is ok.'' Mary shut the door.
``Wise move bitch...Could've been a lot worse'' he bared his crooked teeth in a cruel smile as he withdrew the knife.
Thunderous footsteps were suddenly heard in the kitchen.
``POLICE. Drop your weapon.''
Two marched in. One stopped by the door with his gun aimed. The other swiftly manoeuvered his way with amazing efficiency. Within an instant, he had handcuffed the intruder.
``Every call to 911 is instantly traced ma'am.'' he explained. ``We have your precise location even before the phone rings.''
``Thank goodness you persisted although I told you to go.''
``Trained to make sure ma'am. Two of us were at the door. Two others went around to secure other exits and we came in through the broken window.''
``We'll require a statement tomorrow morning.'' the female officer said as they prepared to leave. ``Meanwhile would you like me to stay the night here or will you be ok by yourself?''
``Apologies for intruding on your privacy, Mrs McArthur.'' said another on his way out. ``Just doing our job.''