"happy november!" they called as they tore the gate from its hinges and dashed down the alley tearing the aluminum siding off the house as they passed. inside, he swore softly and dialed 911, hanging up immediately so they would just send someone over. at least they hadn't shut his phone off yet. the walls shook as the back door flew open, dishes crashing off shelves as two angry men with guns started searching. he ducked into his closet and held his breath...

...the cop knocked on the empty storefront and double-checked the address attached to the phone. he was at the right place, no doubt, but there was no answer from within. he sighed and got back into his car, missing the two gunshots from a block away in the sound of his door opening and closing. oh well, he thought; couldn't have been that important...