The call came over the radio at 11:11pm, just as I was about to make a wish. This was not what I had in mind.

"2344 Concord Court is live""

I started my squad car and punched the talk button on the radio at the same time.

"I'm on it."

I'd been at the home security racket for a few years now. The money is good and it's easy work. Every so often I get a call, like this one, and I have to drive over and make sure the boogey man hasn't intruded. It's almost always a drunk teenager coming home late while his parents are away, or a loose wire, or some other non-issue, but sometimes the calls get interesting.

When I arrived at the customer's address, I noted that the house was larger than most, and that the very intimidating gate at the entrance to the long circle driveway was wide open. I drove in cautiously and saw that a light was on in the house. I parked and approached with my hand on my firearm. As I got closer, the door swung open and Angelina Jolie appeared in the doorway. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but then she spoke and I knew it was her.

"You're from the security company."

"Yes ma'am"

"I tried to call to tell them it was only false alarm, but--"

"Standard procedure, ma'am, we have to come out to check."

"I'm sorry for dragging you out in the middle of the night like this. Everything is alright."

"Mind if I come in to take a look around for myself?"