Chapter 5 Shadows at the Door

Sarah woke to still darkness, but something felt wrong.

The warmth near her had disappeared.

She jumped up quickly, blinking into the stillness of the room.

"Alex?" she murmured.

The fridge's low hum was the only audible noise. The air had cooled down from earlier. She edged toward the living room and then got out of bed.

The front door was somewhat open.

With her heart pounding, Sarah snatched her coat from the back of the chair and swung the door wide.

Barefoot, shirtless, and tense, Alex stood in the corridor. His body language was spring-like, his jaw tense.

A man in a long black coat stood opposite him.

Sarah froze.

The man had lean features, dark slicked-back hair, and eyes like shattered glass-like he'd just walked out of a mafia movie.

"You're difficult to locate," the man said softly. "I almost believed you didn't want to be discovered."

Alex did not twitch. "You should not be here."

"I should not have to be. We had an agreement, recall?"

Sarah stayed hidden at the doorway, hardly breathing.

Alex spoke in a low voice, now.

The man chuckled. "You used to be smarter than this. What's her name? The girl inside? Do you really think this ends well?"

"You say one word to her," Alex yelled, "and I swear to God-"

"Relax," the man said, lifting his hands dismissively. "I am not here to harm anyone."

Sarah exited, unable to remain silent any longer.

She replied sharply, "Who are you?"

Both men turned.

The stranger's smile grew broader.

"Go inside, Sarah," Alex stated immediately, his tone steely.

She stood her ground, however.

The stranger pretended to bow. "My name is Trevor. Alex had an old buddy. We used to be in the same company-until your lad here chose to develop a conscience."

Alex's fists clenched at his sides.

Sarah replied slowly, "What kind of business?"

Trevor looked at Alex. "You didn't tell her? Huh. He is excellent at acting like someone else. That is how he escaped initially."

"Enough," Alex growled.

Trevor, however, moved in closer.

"Time's up, Alex. Should you fail to pay what you owe, I will begin gathering by other means."

Alex moved like lightning. With his forearm to Trevor's throat, he pushed him forcefully against the wall.

"You approach her once more; I finish this.

Trevor looked amused, not terrified.

"See you soon," he whispered.

Then he vanished.

Sarah stared at Alex; her stomach twisted in knots.

"Do you want to tell me what that was?" she asked.

He did not respond immediately.

Then, "I said mistakes were made."

"No," she answered in a trembling voice, "you told me you weren't dangerous."

Alex looked straight into her eyes.

"I didn't want to frighten you."

She replied flatly, "Well, too late."

She turned and walked back inside.

Alex did not follow her.