Creepy Landlord

This week’s picture prompt from Roger is inviting, but I sense a hint of apprehension.
However, the CCTV puts my mind at ease.

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Creepy Landlord

Not as expected, but the rent is cheap and suddenly available.
Sally checked the agency’s note.
The landlord, Mr Bates, had the keys; she knocked.
It’s the top flat.
She followed him into a tiny room.
You’re beautiful. He scratched his beard.
Sorry!
A pretty view. See the park.
Oh yes, nice.
Is that jasmine shampoo?
She moved to the exit.
No, no, this way.
A dark bedroom with narrow windows, a carpet stain and a new mattress.
He scratched at his neck. Should we forget about this month’s rent?
She smiled. Maybe not, as my boyfriend would kill you.

26 responses to “Creepy Landlord

  1. She should run, not walk, to the nearest exit!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I suspect that threat will not suffice for long. She’s inadvertently given him to understand she might be up for it, but for the boyfriend’s jealousy

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Very creepy. In a movie based on a Jim Thompson movie, that was how Annette Benning paid the rent. The Grifters..

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Seems he’s met his match. Nice one James.

    Like

  5. The stain and the new mattress had me wanting to run! Creepy, those Bates guys!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Something tells me a woman as savvy as she is won’t be taking this room. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. wow, what a comeback! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Good story sticking close to the prompt picture. Somewhat expected the creepy scene but wanted to yell “HiHo, Silver,” the the boyfriend is mentioned. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I hope she has pepper spray… just in case…

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Form the way he’s acting, I have a feeling he’s going to attract the boyfriend’s attention before too long.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Hmmmmm I’m thinking it’s not her boyfriend to be worried about…

    Liked by 2 people

  12. He is creepy but she seems to be handling herself and him very well.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. That was creepy. So well done! Glad she stood her ground, but hope she got out of there quickly.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Dear James,

    I can’t imagine Sally wanting to stay there, but it does seem she can take care of herself. Still…

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Your story is full of quiet menace. She needs to run for it!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Sordid every which way. Dylan’s, “and you stare into the vacuum of his eyes and he says, ‘do you want to make a deal.’ ” Nice atmosphere building.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. She sure can handle herself and him!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Good thing he showed his true colors before she moved in, not afterwards!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. We all need those moments of calm before stressful situations. An early morning walk along the beach would be perfect. Nicely done!

    Liked by 2 people

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