Page 21 (1/2)

I couldn't have it on me

"Good evening, Mr Archer," the doorman said as he opened the door for me

"Jah the door, but then stopped before Nikolai could enter the building I turned back to James and said, "James, this is Nikolai Falkov He is not a resident of this building nor is he uest Would you please escort him from the property and contact the authorities if he attelanced at Nikolai and said, "You have a good evening now, Nik"

I could tell that Nikolai was irritated but he seemed otherwise unfazed He nodded his head at me and said, “You too, Jude" He paused for a brief moment and then added, "I'll see you soon"

The onore it Like it or not, Nikolai had no standing to enter ure out hoin the next It hat I did I always stayed a step ahead of things so I wouldn't fall flat on my face

Never again

For the first time all day, I felt a little bit more at ease But once I reached the door towas secure, but how secure?

I cursed Nikolai for putting thoughts inthere I unlocked my door and entered the aparth thedown to eat when there was a knock at my door

My heart lurched in hbors and since all visitors were announced, I couldn't even iine as at hts as to who it could be went through my head

“Get a grip, Jude," I muttered as I climbed to my feet and went to the door I cursed the fact that I hadn't thought to have a peephole installed

I put the flimsy chain on the door like I was in some slasher flick and opened it a notch to see as on the other side

"You’ve got to be kiddingthere "What are you doing here?" I asked "I' the cops"

I went to shut the door, but Nikolai put his foot in it

"Now, is that how you talk to all your new neighbors, Jude?" he asked

"My nehat?" I asked, certain I hadn't heard him I forced the door shut and then removed the chain so I could yank the door completely open "My nehat?" I repeated in disbelief

Nikolai held up a key I could see the nuo for