“This place is like a penthouse on the top floor of a hotel.”
The carpet beneath his feet was so dense that he tugged off his tennis shoes and socks to enjoy it.
The living room was a wide-open space that was easy to navigate.
There was nothing in the middle of the floor for him to run into, and the minimal furniture had rounded edges—no sharp corners. He traced his palm along the sectional, squeezing the faux-fur ribbed material.
The kitchen island was a long expanse of cool marble.
When he walked into what Roz said was his bedroom, the low whistle told him enough. He sat on the bed and didn’t want to get back up. If he weren’t so hungry, he would’ve immediately gotten under the heavy covers.
He perched on a high stool at the island while Roz rummaged through the fridge.
“It’s really organized in here,” Roz mumbled. “Like…super neat. Oh shit.”
Gage stiffened. “What?”
“Everything’s labeled in Braille,” Roz said softly. “The appliances, cabinets, the food…even the microwave.”
It’s tailored for me. How’d they even know I’d come?
Roz slid a plate and a bottle of juice toward him.
He ate his turkey, ham, and cheese sandwich in silent contemplation until Roz said quietly, “So…Scar, huh? You lied to me.”
“I didn’t lie. I omitted.”
“Same damn thing.”
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you thinking he was behind all of this.”
Roz scoffed. “Scar’s an evil, too-smart sonofabitch. I wouldn’t doubt he had something to do with you gettin’ taken.”
Gage shook his head.
“Scar’s had it out for you from the moment I brought you on the block.”
I know.
“I don’t believe in coincidences, G.”
Gage sighed. “Me either. But I do believe in divine intervention.”
“Come on, man! Why do—”
Gage put his hand up again.
“I’m tired, Roz. I’mma’ go lie down.”
He felt as though he hadn’t slept in weeks.
Roz pushed back his chair, and Gage waved him off.
“I can get there myself.”
He walked the route toward his bedroom that he’d somehow already memorized. Counting his steps and running his fingertips along the walls until he was back in the pine-scented bathroom.
He fumbled over the various switches, flipping them on and off, and found one that heated the floor.
