Forest Dweller

You decide to search the attic first. Sure, the killer could be up there, but it wouldn't be wise for them to wait for you in a place where they couldn't catch you running out of the house. The basement might even have a door there, too, and the killer might think that your first instinct would be to go out a discreet route. The attic, however scary and dark it might seem, is the place the killer would be least likely to be, and therefore a good starting point. You climb the ladder quietly to the attic, then realize that the ladder can be pulled up- it is retractable. Pulling it up would show the killer that you were in the attic, but also would protect you from his getting access to your location. Not pulling it up would leave no clue that you were there, but he could catch you off guard. What to do?