Page 199 of Callan

They might not look as plump as they were when I left, and there is a crease here and there from sagging, but that happens in time.

The closet seems all right. Although, one of my shoes is toppled over. That can happen, too.

Even though I don’t remember doing that myself.

Again, my focus wasn’t exactly laser sharp last night.

Slightly relieved, I walk out and move to the living room. The door to the balcony slides open under my tense hand.

The snow is intact.

There are no signs of intruders.

If someone from upstairs wanted to break into my apartment, the balcony would be their best bet.

I slide the door closed and return to the living room, searching for the remote.I find it on the couch, where it usually sits.Sigh of relief.

With that being said, suspecting that someone entered my place is not exactly a good sign or speaks positively about my mental health.

But considering that someone wanted to put me out last night, I think I’m doing pretty well.

I wonder if Callan’s men are still outside, keeping an eye on me. I walk to the windows and check the street.

If they’re there, they’re not visible.

Sighing again, I turn the Christmas lights on to enliven the room and push back my crazy thoughts before returning to the kitchen and brewing a fresh pot of coffee.

Hot drink in hand, I return to the living room and slide into an armchair next to the window.

The first sip sends a jolt of awareness through my body, sharpening my focus.

Taking another drink, I stare out the window as if the only thing I need to do today is watch the world go by.

Nothing much happens before I realize I need to charge my phone.

I slide my cup of java onto the sill and walk back to the hallway, grab my bag, and fish my phone out before letting it charge in the kitchen.

I start to turn around and stop as a distant sound travels from outside.

That’s interesting.

I haven’t heard sirens blaring in a while.

My phone comes to life, and I check the time on the screen.

It’s eleven o’clock in the morning.

And today is January 1st.

That’s odd.

I thought everybody was taking it easy today, criminals included.

The piercing sound amplifies and trails closer, so I walk into the other room, move to the window, and look outside.

My pulse quickens, which is not surprising under the circumstances.

Strange thoughts swirl in my head, and a foreboding sensation sweeps through me.

---