Not a polite knock.
Three blows.
“Final warning.”
I called 911.
Quietly.
I explained an armed private security contractor was on my porch demanding a house key after I had told him to leave.
The dispatcher told me officers were being sent.
Then Darren tried the door handle.
That changed everything.
I spoke loudly.
“Do not touch my door.”
“It’s HOA authorized.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“Open up.”
“Police are coming.”
His face changed.
He stepped away from the door.
For one second I thought that would end it.
Then he moved toward the side of the porch.
I knew there was another exterior door near the garage.
I did not want him testing entrances while I waited inside.
I made a decision I have replayed many times since.
I opened the front door.
Not wide.
Enough to stand in the opening.
My phone remained in my hand.
Darren stopped.
