Page 123 of King of Omen

Every time I crossed Sydney Harbour, its cerulean skies and stunning vistas reminded me of how beautiful the city was.

From the renowned coat hanger bridge to the sun-kissed waters glinting under the bright blue sky and the boat sails dotting the horizon.

The iconic Opera House stood with pride against the cityscape, its white domes symbolising the city’s beauty.

Beyond, Sydney’s panorama was an impressive blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture.

The air was infused with the scents of the salty ocean breeze from the bays surrounding the city, where the sea met the sky in an eternal embrace.

I loved it all, rolling down my window, the wind in my hair as Mauri drove me to my place in the Inner West.

We soon arrived in my street.

All was quiet, with a few runners jogging past as Mauri slowed his roll passing the apartment.

I gave him a searching look.

‘We’ll go in through the back in case anyone’s out front.’

I nodded as he eased the car into the narrow lane out back.

He stopped at the small gate leading to the rear entry.

‘It won’t take long to pack a bag for a week; want to wait in the car?’ I offered.

His leg must have been still acting up as he winced, easing from the vehicle. ‘I’ll stay outside. Call me if anything’s out of the ordinary.’

I nodded. ‘Will do.’

I ran up to the gate and unlocked it, making my way up one flight of stairs to my apartment.

Unlocking the back door, I slid inside, sensing a presence as soon as I entered.

I stepped into the living area to see Tony standing by the mantelpiece.

‘Hey, what are you doing here?’ I exclaimed, eyes wide.

He grinned. ‘I missed you, Mia, and I couldn’t resist the chance to surprise you.’

Not buying it, I shifted, uncomfortable at his presence. ‘Is Linda here?’

‘Does she have to be?’ he drawled.

The hairs on my head stood straight, and I took another step away from him.

‘Tony, you might be Linda’s cousin, but you can’t walk in and out of our apartment as you like,’ I said, trying to hide my annoyance.

He shrugged, his grin never leaving his face. ‘I realise, but I’ve been waiting for you.’

‘Why?’

He smirked. ‘Because your ass is mine.’

I jolted. ‘The fuck?’

Before the words left my mouth, an almighty force hit the back of my head, and I cried out as a wave of unbearable pain followed.

I began to drop to my knees, eyes blinking with sudden tears as Tony’s face transformed into a maniacal visage.

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