Page 32 of Soros
The detail about a stranger living with a woman also fit the previous report where a boyfriend had found a tall man living with his girlfriend who felt like she had been hypnotized. We hoped that Ko’roz was repeating a pattern and that we could catch him at the address.
Lee chuck down the last of a milkshake we had picked up for him earlier while Sanchez parked in front of a three-story townhouse with a shiny brass nameplate that said D. Davis.
“According to the neighbor who made the police report, this house is owned by an old widow who has lived here peacefully for decades,” Sanchez told us.
Lee licked his front teeth and squeezed the empty cup of milkshake into the side pocket of the car door before stepping outside. Earlier, he had kept asking us questions about where we were from, what our ranks were, and what offenses Ko’roz had committed. It only took an insignificant bit of mind clouding from Lios before Lee and Sanchez forgot their curiosity toward us.
Ascending the five steps in front of the townhouse, Sanchez turned and reminded us in a serious tone, “I get that you’re some kind of big shots in Europe, but here in New York, you have no jurisdiction. Detective Lee and I will do the initial questioning and should it end up with an arrest, we’ll take care of that.”
Captain Lios dipped his head, gesturing that he understood, but internally, Lios, Nerix, and I had our own telepathic conversation going on.
“They have no idea what we’re up against. Ko’roz would either kill them or cloud their minds the moment one of the detectives tried to arrest him,” Nerix said.
As we watched Sanchez ring the doorbell, Lios replied, “It’s alright. Let’s just play along and let them think they’re in control.If Ko’roz is inside that house, then I’ll try to pacify him mentally. And Nerix…”Lios gave his teammate a sharp glance.“No matter what happens, I don’t want you to get physical with Ko’roz at any point. You’re still not a hundred percent healed.”
Nerix snorted low. “I’m fine. The part that I’m most worried about is controlling my anger. He killed Ziba and Keindra. I’m ready to cut off his favorite body part before we send him back to Markatoria to face a death sentence.”
I understood Nerix’s anger but replied calmly. “We can’t mutilate prisoners. Not even if they killed our friends.”
The doorbell sounded loud even on the outside where we stood waiting with serious expressions.
When the door opened, a woman who looked to be in her late sixties to early seventies stared up at Sanchez, who was at least a head taller than her. And then she saw us four males watching her intently. “Oh, lord, what happened?” she asked and peeked her head out looking up and down the street.
“Are you Mrs. Davis?” Lee asked her.
“I am.”
Pulling out a badge, Lee and Sanchez introduced themselves and then Sanchez said, “We’ve had some concerned neighbors call us. May we come in and have a word with you, Mrs. Davis?”
The older woman narrowed the door opening a bit and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Now isn’t a good time. I haven’t cleaned for days. It’s messy.”
“I assure you, ma’am, that we don’t care how clean your house is. We’ve had reports that a man has moved in with you and your neighbors thought it seemed suspicious. Can you talk to us about that?”
Mrs. Davis was a petite woman with a blue cardigan that matched her pants. “My neighbors are far too nosy,” she said and pressed her lips into fine lines. Scanning up and down the street again, she frowned and hesitated for a moment before she stepped back and gestured for us to come inside. Maybe it was the sight of a man coming down the street with a dog on a leash that made her decide to continue the conversation inside.
“This way.” She led us past a staircase to a formal living room that was neat, clean, and far from the mess she had tried to use as an excuse. Looking at Sanchez and Lee, who stood closest to her, Mrs. Davis complained, “It’s none of their business what I do.”
“Your neighbors are just concerned for your well-being,” Lee said.
“Then they should come and talk to me instead of calling the police. At least you’re not wearing uniforms or the whole street would be gossiping about me before nightfall.” Pulling her cardigan closer around her petite body, she sighed. “As you can see, I’m fine.”
Footsteps from above made me look up. “Did you hear that?” I communicated to Nerix and Lios, who gave subtle nods.
Lee looked up as well and asked, “Is it true that a man has moved in with you?”
Tightening her eyebrows, she raised her chin. “Yes. I have a big house and plenty of space to host a friend if I choose to.”
“Of course. How long have you known this… friend?” Sanchez asked. Standing with her legs spread, she stuffed her hands in her pockets.
“Not long.”
“What is your relationship with this friend?”
The widow gave Sanchez the stink-eye. “Why is that important? I’m an adult and can have any type of relationship that suits me.”
“Of course. We’re just trying to understand the nature of your relationship and whether you’re in danger,” Sanchez responded but she was interrupted by Lee who asked, “Where did you meet?”
Wrinkles appeared around Mrs. Davis’ mouth as she answered curtly. “We met in the park. He asked for my help.”
