Take the stairs

She took her gun out from her ankle holster. It was small but it packed a whallop. She ascended the stairs as quietly as she could, senses on alert.

The tall, slender beauty's heart was pounding in her chest. She was so close to collaring this jerk on her very first case. And on her own, too!

At the head of the stairs, she found a single hallway that ran the length of the building. Several doors opened from it. One opened about twenty feet away from her.

The Joker stepped out. He was taller and even thinner than her. He was wearing a green and purple suit that fit him like a glove. There was a snakelike bulge in his pants. He grinned at her, obviously a little surprised.

Erin was surprised, too. Of course, "Mike Melaugh" must have been his alias! She nearly forgot to shout "Freeze, asshole!" as she aimed her pistol at him.

He let out a little cackle then jumped back the way he came.

Erin pulled the trigger, but she missed him completely.