She interrupted , “ You ’ ve been told where to find the meter . Good day .” She closed and locked her door , but she watched from the side window . Anger flashed over the man ’ s face , with his tightened jaw and red-tipped ears . He glared at the closed door before returning to an unmarked van .
Genevra telephoned her utility . “ I want to report an imposter .”
Her conversation concluded with a promise the police would be by to investigate .
When another knock sounded at the front door , she assumed rather than confirmed , opened rather than kept the chain in place .
Instead of a police officer , the imposter utilityman smiled .
Genevera gasped , wrinkled hands blocking her surprised mouth .
He pushed through . She backed away , eyes wide .
“ Now , listen here , doc . You just sit yourself down right there ,” he pointed to a nearby wingback , “ and nobody will get hurt .” He smiled with what should have been charm but which translated as malintent . “ Where are your phones ?”
She blinked back tears and pointed to the kitchen . “ There ’ s no fool like an old fool ,” she thought .