Page 59 of Now Comes the Dark

What a creep. To think I once fancied him.

Roman turned and crossed the floor to the elevator. When he glanced back to the door, Will had disappeared.

Unnerved by the bizarre encounter, Roman pressed the switch to summon the lift.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Facing a Killer

The door to Mallon’s apartment was closed. Roman wondered whether he had seen the text announcing his arrival? What should he do? Did he knock or go ahead and let himself in? It didn’t feel right to waltz straight in for the first time without an invitation.

He knocked and waited.

No answer. He knocked again.

Maybe Mallon was asleep or taking a shower or a phone call.

When his third attempt went unanswered, Roman swiped the card and opened the door.

The apartment was silent. No music or TV. No sound from the bathroom or kitchen.

“Hello,” he called out. “Mallon, it’s me. Are you here?”

Roman closed the door behind him and walked into the living room. He froze.

Mallon was sprawled half across the sofa, his lower body trailing on the floor. He was naked and motionless. Then Roman saw the blood. It was streaked across his back, down his buttocksand his legs. Mallon’s ankles and wrists were fastened together with black plastic strips that looked like cable ties.

He experienced an awful sense of déjà vu…of finding Phil.

No. Not again.

Roman rushed forward. He put his hand on Mallon’s rib cage and after a moment detected the faint rise and fall of his breath. His face was buried in a cushion.

“Mallon,” he said gently, easing his head up. His eyes were closed and swollen. There was more blood around his nose, and he was gagged with a pair of socks, knotted together. Roman gently eased the gag away from his mouth, making it easier for him to breath.

Mallon let out a low moan.

Thank God, he’s alive.

Roman rushed to the kitchen, hauling open drawers until he found a pair of scissors. He raced back to Mallon’s side and snipped the ties at his wrists and ankles. Mallon moaned again, louder this time and began to rouse. Roman slipped his elbows beneath his armpits and hauled him upwards and over, getting him into a supported sitting position.

Mallon looked like he’d taken a beating to the head and torso. Roman cast his eyes around the room. The place looked the same as always. He could see no sign of any robbery.

Could whoever had done this still be here?

Roman eased Mallon into a comfortable position on the sofa. He hurried back to the kitchen. After all that had happened in the city recently, he couldn’t afford to take any chances. He opened a drawer and took out a lethal-looking steak knife. Roman doubted he would have the metal to use it on anyone, but holding it gave him a sliver of confidence.

He was familiar with the layout of the apartment and moved cautiously around the living room, checking behind the curtains.The balcony area was clear. He moved on to check the bedroom and bathroom. No sign of any disturbance.

If Mallon’s attacker was still here, the only place they could hide was inside the walk-in closet. The doors were shut. Roman’s heart was in his throat.Get out,a voice inside warned.Get the fuck out and call the police. If the culprit was still here, he couldn’t leave Mallon alone in the apartment with them.

The closet doors were mirrored. If there was anyone on the other side, they wouldn’t be able to see out. Roman crept forward, keeping his step light. Surprise was the only advantage he had. Moving close to the door, he inched his free hand to the opening and raised the knife to his shoulder, ready to attack. His heart beat so loudly that whoever was in there must surely hear it.

He took a deep breath and hauled the door wide.

Empty.

There was the dresser, the rails of clothing.

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