Animas Within
Slowly, Ally maneuvered her way through the maze of county buildings. The night was inky black, which made it extremely difficult to read and follow the county signposts guiding her to the morgue. Finally, Ally found her way; driving up behind several county buildings to an isolated, red brick building situated at the very rear of the lane, tucked against the hillside.
The morgue stood formidable and isolated, outlined by the florescent wide-base street lamp. The wood-vented patio cover, which veiled the front entrance, cast eerie shadows over the cement walkway. Ally exited and locked her vehicle quickly; she rushed up to the entrance of the morgue only to pull herself up short as she approached the door. Her legs turned wooden as she consciously willed herself forward, step after stiff step, in the surreal light of the shifting shadows.
All was silent except for the heavy pounding of her heart and her audible breathing. Ally stood there for what seemed like an eternity, listening to the evidence of her fear. Her hand reached for the handle of the exterior door. It was very cold to the touch as she paused, half-surprised and half-annoyed, to find the door unlocked. She had been more than ready to turn around and go home.
Chastising herself for her cowardice, she entered the florescent panel-lit lobby to approach a deserted reception desk, which was sheltered by protective glass. She felt like she was entering a scene from the Twilight Zone. Feeling the dark stillness behind her, she felt the sharp, fresh, tingle of fear crawl up her spine. Glancing to her right was a door leading to the inner workings of this office building with a numeric keypad to secure the doorway.
She made her way to the door; maybe knocking would alert someone, anyone, to her presence. Feeling her anxiety rise to a hysterical level, the apprehension was gnawing in the pit of her stomach. Then she noticed the intercom box to the left of the doorway. She pressed the buzzer button without response, then tried to speak into the small speaker.
"Excuse me, Miss, can I help you?" The deep timbered voice came from behind her.
Ally surged upright, jumping as the fear and adrenaline coursed swiftly through her body like an electric current. It took her several stunned, startled moments to process the question as she turned slowly towards the man. He was tall, over six feet, wearing a black and white security uniform with the corresponding service hat.
He laughed gruffly, "I'm sorry. I guess you didn't hear me coming up. I didn't mean to startle you."
Ally swallowed hard, her hand was at the base of her throat, attempting to recapture her voice. Her voice quivered as she told the man, "I have a meeting scheduled with Deputy Neal Bryant; he is expecting me."