Page 33 of The Woman with the Handcuffs

It had only been, what? Two hours, tops.

How could he get my address so quickly?

He’d even had time to shower and change into black slacks and a charcoal-gray knitted polo. He almost looked like he belonged at a business meeting or somewhere in academia, not in the mob. Where was his all-black suit like the big guy who’d shown up at his apartment? The suspicious bulge of a gun hidden in his waistband? He seemed ready to take a leisurely walk down the city streets, then go sit at an outdoor cafe with a newspaper and espresso.

I was so distracted by taking him in that I hadn’t noticed him taking two steps into my apartment until he was already in. The door closed behind him with a quiet click.

There was nothing quiet inside me then. The thump of my heart was a drumbeat that was almost loud enough to mask the screaming of my thoughts.

Gavino half-turned back, sliding the lock on my door, making me swallow hard.

Why was he locking the door? Was he expecting my neighbors to try to come running? Because they heard me crying for help? Because he was going to… do things to me? With knives and spoons and—

I choked back the bile as it rose up as I took a step backward, then to the side.

I had to get to my bedroom.

Lock the door.

Then fly at my window.

There was a fire escape out there if I could get my ancient, swollen window to budge. Then I could make a run for it. Without my phone, purse, wallet, clothes, anything.

But I’d be alive.

That was what mattered.

I took another step.

So did he.

Then again, a tense little dance.

My heart was threatening to burst out of my chest.

But Gavino’s lips curved up ever so slightly.

He was enjoying this.

Getting his kicks off on my fear.

And any man who could find your fear amusing or appealing was dangerous beyond comprehension.

I didn’t sidestep this time.

I turned and ran.

I had the home-field advantage.

But he had the longer legs.

Just as I burst over the threshold of my bedroom, his hand closed around my good wrist, making a startled cry escape me as I tried to yank it away.

As I did, though, he just lifted my arm up higher.

Then I felt it.

Something cold and hard sliding around my wrist. And closing.