He wasn’t prepared for what he saw when he opened the door, and stood in shock at the threshold.
Red. Bright red writing adorned the walls. His knees weakened as he held the doorframe and read the words.
“Fuck!”
“I know, it’s bad. I’m so sorry, Si.” Patrick’s voice quavered and Simon’s anger faded as quickly as it had flared, to be replaced by concern for Patrick. He turned and looked at him properly. He was pale and trembling. Simon drew him into his arms and held him tight.
“Nothing for you to be sorry about,” he whispered against Patrick’s hair. “I just wish I’d been here when you found it. I hate the thought of you going through this on your own.”
“Mike and Bruce were here. But I just wish it hadn’t happened.”
“I know, babe.” Simon drew circles on Patrick’s back. The odor of paint competed with the fresh scent of Patrick’s shampoo, the overpowering chemical smell making him feel slightly nauseous. He wasn’t sure how long they stood there for, but eventually Patrick straightened his shoulders and pulled back.
“I’m okay. I just let it get to me for minute. But I’m good, so you don’t have to worry.” He smiled a sad smile. “Maybe this time the police can do something.”
“You’ve called them? They’ve been?”
Patrick nodded. “They came pretty quickly. Took photographs, and this time they took fingerprints, which just added to the mess in there. Not that they found much of any use.” He indicated the bedroom. “It seems that damaging someone’s property demands more attention than dropping off unsolicited mail.”
“Well, that’s got to be a positive thing. Let’s hope something comes of it, because this can’t keep going on. Was it the same cops as last time?”
“Yeah, but it wasn’t as bad as last time. They took it a lot more seriously.”
“That’s good, but I think we should call Duncan. I’d like to give him a heads-up about what’s going on. He indicated at the Halloween party that he’d check into a few things for us.”
“Sounds good.” Patrick nodded, but he sounded defeated and emotionally drained. He looked to Simon with sad eyes. “I told the police about Ian and Dion.”
“You did?”
Patrick nodded. “I don’t want to think it could be either one of them, but they’re the only people who make any sense.”
He took Patrick’s hands. “I know this is hard for you.”
“It’s harder knowing we’re all at risk. If it is them, then they need to be stopped as soon as possible. This has gone on long enough.”
“It will be okay, babe. I promise. We’ll get all this sorted out. And tomorrow we’ll get the locks changed again. But for now, let’s get to bed. You must be exhausted, and things always look better in the morning.”
Patrick stiffened. “I can’t sleep in there.”
Simon glanced into the room again. “Don’t worry, I can’t sleep in here either, not until it’s cleaned up properly. It’s not just the words, it’s the smell. It will take too long to do it tonight, and I don’t think we’ve got the right supplies anyway. Let’s just close the door, and we can take care of it in the morning. We’ll use your old room tonight.”
Simon was relieved when Patrick allowed himself to be led to the bathroom, almost on autopilot. Simon loaded his toothbrush with toothpaste and passed it over, grateful when Patrick dunked it under the running water and raised it to his mouth. While he brushed his teeth and washed up, Simon ducked back into their room. He purposely ignored the obscene walls as he grabbed them each a T-shirt and clean underwear.
He closed the door behind him, wishing it was just as easy to close the door on their troubles.
