And how they held such violence, and how I’ve never seen anything more utterly terrifying or beautiful.
The ringing of my alarm clock blares in my ears. I don’t know when I dozed off, but I slept like crap. I kept imagining different scenarios involving the dangerous man from the alley. Thoughts of him hunting me down and breaking into my apartment. I should have reported it, but truthfully I live in a bad neighborhood and by the time the cops respond, most people are long gone. I’m just glad some cat food is all I lost.
Whoever that other dude was may have lost his life.
I flip on the TV in the living room to listen to the morning news while I stick a pod in my coffee maker.
“Live on the scene now is our own Monica Jacobs. Tell us, Monica, do the police have a suspect in custody?”
“Sources say the victim was attacked in what they suspect is related to organized crime. The victim has ties to the notorious Medici Crime Family. The victim has been transported to Mercy General. Their condition is unknown at this time.”
“Thanks, Monica. Up next, Steve Bailey brings you the latest on the potential for ice and what you need to do to prepare in case of power outages.”
I click the TV off and grab my pink mug with ghosts painted on the front, and blow over the brim before taking a drink. I glance down at the alley behind my building, seeing the news van parked at the end. Everything looks different in daylight.
I was going to take that momma cat some water, but it will have to wait until tonight when there’s not so many people lurking around the alley.
Since I didn’t shower last night, I’m going to be late for work.
“There you are. I’ve been worried to death,” Haven jumps down my throat as soon as I walk through the door.
“Good morning to you too.”
“I saw your building on the news. A guy was murdered in your alley. Did you hear or see anything?”
“No, and how do you know it was murder?”
“He cut the guy’s dick off and shoved it down his throat.”
My throat goes dry, my eyes bug out as I stare at her, trying to process the words that just left her mouth. I think back to the alley. The heated words being exchanged.
“I didn’t touch her…”
“Hello.” Haven waves a palm across my face.
I blink. “Sorry. I had a disturbing visual.” I grimace. “Where did you hear that?”
“Alex stopped by about twenty minutes ago.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course he did.”
“He worries about you. It’s kind of sweet.”
“It wasn’t very sweet when he was screwing Elaine behind my back.”
“Right.” she purses her lips.
“I was planning on calling him, though.”
“Oh…”
“Petey. I thought maybe he’d know someone on the force who might need a companion.”
“Smart.” She grins.
“This is only about the dog.”
“Whatever you say.” She smiles bigger.
