READERWANDS
Elaine’s Night of Terror: A Suspenseful Fictional Crime Story
Here’s a fictional crime story featuring Elaine, who arrives home late from the office, unaware that something horrifying awaits her. Let’s dive in and discover what happens next.

September 6, 2024
Daily News, NYTV:
“DO NOT SWITCH THE CHANNEL! We have something important to share. Just moments ago, our sources confirmed that a prisoner has escaped from Central Jail. The escapee is Gregory Norton. Here are the details:”
Photo: Gregory’s picture appears on screen with his name below.
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Complexion: Dark
Hair: Black
Criminal History: Convicted of murdering his entire family with an axe.
“If you live near the Central Jail, please remain on high alert. Do not allow any strangers into your home without ID verification. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact the NY Police Department immediately. Stay alert. Stay safe.”
September 9, 2024
Elaine, a corporate employee, got home late after working overtime on an important client requirement. Exhausted, she reached for her keys but could not unlock the door. She tried again and again, but nothing worked.
Luckily, her neighbor Dorris was a locksmith. Though hesitant to disturb him this late, she knocked on his door.
Dorris opened the door, and Elaine explained the situation.
“The door seems jammed. Has this happened before?” Dorris asked.
“No, never. Dorris, could you please open it somehow? I am really tired and cannot stay outside any longer,” she said.
“Sure. I can push it open now, but it might break the lock. If that is fine with you, I can proceed. Also, I can replace the lock first thing in the morning. Sound good?”
“Excellent. Please go ahead.”
Dorris pushed hard, and the latch bolt from inside snapped loose and fell on the floor.
“That is odd,” Dorris said. “Looks like it was locked from the inside. Anyway, you are all set.”
“Thank you so much, Dorris. Sorry to bother you this late. I owe you one.”
“No worries. Take care, Elaine.”
Elaine entered her apartment, temporarily secured the door with a log, took a warm shower, and changed into something comfortable. She threw herself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling… and suddenly froze.
Her face went pale. Eyes wide open. It felt like she was having a stroke. Her body would not move. But somehow, she managed to reach her phone and dialed 911.
“NY Police Department. What is your emergency?”
“This is…” Elaine muttered.
“Hello? I cannot hear you clearly. Who is this?”
“There is a man… staring at me. He is inside the AC vent.”
“Please share your location. We will be there immediately.”
“He is… watching me. Please help…”
The call dropped.
The man did not blink and kept staring at Elaine.
“Go on. Call 911 again,” he hissed. “Go on… GO ON!”
Elaine dropped the phone, frozen with fear.
Suddenly, the phone buzzed.
The man climbed out of the vent and answered.
“Hello? The call got disconnected. Where are you located?” the officer asked.
“No need to worry, officer. You will find out when I kill this one too.”
He hung up.
Leaning toward Elaine, he grabbed a cushion and pressed it against her face.
BAM!
The man collapsed, struck from behind with a log.
It was Dorris.
He had heard a man shout from Elaine’s apartment and climbed through the window. After knocking the man unconscious, he called 911 and reported the intruder.
The intruder was none other than the escaped criminal, Gregory Norton. Gregory was arrested again and taken back to prison.
“How could I ever thank you, Dorris?” Elaine asked.
“You do not have to,” he smiled. “Though… a cup of coffee might help. I could not sleep last night.”
They both had a laugh.
September 10, 2024
Daily News, NYTV:
“Dear viewers, this is to inform you that escaped prisoner Gregory Norton has been caught. He was found unconscious inside a young woman’s home after attempting another attack. The police department confirmed he had been hiding in the home’s air vent. While the threat is over, please remain cautious and report any suspicious activity immediately.”