instinct

 

Instinct led me to the alley behind Smitty's Garage. I don't really know why, but for some reason I knew I had to go there. Like I said, I chalk it up to instinct. I didn't even know what I should should be looking for. I just had that strange feeling that something or someone back in that alley needed me.

 

When I rounded the corner I could see what appeared to be to people standing in the shadows at the end of the alley. I stopped, hesitant to go forward. I am not a big man nor am I trained in any of the self defense arts. My greatest claim to fame is when I beat Charley Johnson in a fist fight when we were in the eight grade.

 

But, this was way after the eighth grade and I hadn't fought anyone sense. Oh, I did do four years in the Air Force but they didn't waste any time teaching me to fight. I was sent to the air intelligence squadron which would be the first to be evacuated in case of a fight. That's was just fine with me, I always said if I were ever tortured I would probably talk my damned head off.  In my mind, I hoped that wouldn't true. Luckily, I was never tested.

 

To this day, I still couldn't couldn't tell you what made me go forward. but I did. I moved slowly towards the two shadows and then said in a very loud and strong voice, "What are you doing back there?" Again it was instinct that told me to sound loud and sure of myself. I could not make out either person except that they were real people and appeared to be men.

 

I mustered more courage and said in louder voice, "Get the hell out of here."

 

I could feel there stares, there inability to determine who I was and what threat  I was to them. I can only assume that my loud and strong voice convinced them it was better to leave than test me out. The alley had another exit just off to the right of them. I saw the shadows disappear in that direction.

 

When I got to where they had been standing I found a young man all bloody and out cold lying in the trash next to a trash can. I peeked around the corner of the alley where the two shadows had disappeared and they were gone.

 

I went back to the street and phoned the police from Sally's Cafe. He was taken to the local hospital whre it was determined he would be okay. He was a homeless man and when he approached the two man and ask for money they had just began beating on him.

 

Instint told me to go to the alley.  Instinct told me to sound loud and brave, and maybe instinct saved the boy's life. I hjave no idea if the two shadows were ever caught.