Voice soft as velvet, he lowered to his knees slowly, careful not to spook Bowie. It was then he noticed the distinct black fingertip bruising on the skin on the visible side of Bowie’s neck.
Ice filled his veins at what that meant.
He couldn’t see Bowie’s face, tucked as it was between his knees, to assess if there was more damage. Kari counted three bruises marring the delicate skin. The smell of urine was stronger and tinged with fear, making horrific sense of why Bowie hadn’t left his apartment.
Kari had to close off his thoughts when his distress at how he might have been responsible for this situation wanted to take over. Bowie didn’t need his self-recrimination; he needed so much more from Kari.
The next whimper came with a violent shiver, and Kari couldn’t stop himself from crawling closer on his knees, not caring what he might kneel in. Not touching Bowie, but close enough so he could murmur softly next to his ear, aware the guy remained in the doorway.
“I’m gonna help you, but I need you to give me permission to touch you.”
Chapter Eight
Delicious & Vicious
Frey:Anyone heard from Bowie? Or know what’s wrong with him?
Ziggy:I haven’t seen him since yesterday. He mentioned he had someone coming for dinner last night.
Isley:Really? Like a date type thing? Oh, how exciting if it is… but isn’t it odd he never mentioned it to Frey? You are best buds and all.
Hollis:Frey, we discussed this.
Wilder:Discussed what?
Frey:That Bowie didn’t turn up for work and never rang Hollis. We were supposed to all go for lunch, and he didn’t show. Hollis I’m worried about him because he’s not answering his phone. When did he mention he had someone coming round, Ziggy?
Ziggy:Listen, it was like I’d caught him before he was leaving. I got the feeling it wasn’t a planned thing. More a ‘just in passing’ comment. Not a big thing. I feel bad, I’ve been so busy I never noticed he wasn’t at work. Shouldn’t we go check up on him?
Wilder:Why would you not want Frey to ask about Bowie, Hollis?
Hollis:Because I’m sure whatever has Bowie not showing up, he doesn’t want you all gossiping about him in here.
Lennon:It’s not gossiping when it comes with genuine concern for our friend. Bowie would be worried about us.
Frey:Thank you Lennon. See Hollis!
Ziggy:It doesn’t seem normal for Bowie to not ring someone to explain he is going to be absent. I’m gonna head over to check on him.
Hollis:You’ve made your point, Frey. Ziggy, Kari has gone to check up on him.
Monty:Kari? Wasn’t he away sorting his house out?
Hollis:He’s back. I’m sure that when Bowie sees the messages, he’ll answer. Now could we go back to work… PLEASE!
Chapter Nine
Bowie
He curled in as tight as he could get, trying to become as small as possible, his thoughts sluggish after no sleep or food.
Avoid Kari.
Avoid Kari.
Avoid Kari.
It was silly when Kari could see and smell him, given he’d done nothing to clean himself up. He could see how pathetic he was. Kari would too, and then he’d sack him. Bowie had let him down. He’d let everyone down.
