SIREN’S MISTAKE PART 6
The next morning, I left my apartment early. I knew the maintenance guy would be on our floor about that time. He worked overnight doing simple things but spent the evening in apartments after people got home from work. Right now, he would just be making it to my floor so he could get a few hours of sleep. Lucky for me, his own apartment was on my floor.
I had just made it to the elevators when he came around the corner. “Oh, hi there, Mr. Henderson. Have a good night?”
He ran a wrinkled hand through his thinning gray hair. “Oh, you know. Everything tries to break at night. That’s why I sleep while everyone heads off to work.”
“That’s a smart move, sir. Hey, I have a question, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, honey. What is it?” Mr. Henderson adjusted his tool belt. Clearly, he expected a repair question.
I looked back nervously, hoping Zagan didn’t come out right now. “Well, what’s up with the apartment between 313 and 314? Is it going to be something like 313b? How did it even get there?”
“I believe that is more than one question.” His eyes scrunched together. “And what are you talking about. There isn’t a room between 313 and 314. Not even a broom closet.”
“No,no. I helped a man move his things into it. I know it’s there. Come here and look.” I took his free hand and drug him with me. Again, I counted the numbers, and I went to make sure I didn’t miss it. “312, 313, 314… Wait. It was here.” I looked back at the maintenance man. “I don’t understand. I helped him. He even had drinks with me.”
“Listen. I don’t know what you are playing at. There has never been a room between these two. That is just not possible.” He yanked his hand away and turned to walk away. As he did, he mumbled, “always the pretty one that are cruel to old people.”
I stood there stunned, watching him hobble away. I wasn’t being cruel. It had really been there. Was I losing my mind? Strolling toward the elevators, I heard a door open. “No no no no. Not possible.”
“Hey Andy! Wait up!” His words were rushed but clear.
Vomit. I was going to vomit. The ding of the elevators scared the crap out of me, but I didn’t go in. Instead, I turned on my heels and darted past Zagan. He tried to reach for me but luckily didn’t make contact. The door! The damn door was there now. What… The… Hell?
Before he could come after me, I was inside my apartment, locking all the locks. He knocked on my door. “Sha? You all right?”
Without thinking, I answered, “Sick! Gotta vomit.” As immature as it sounds, I made stomping noises as I went to my living room. There’s no way I could go to work right now. He must have taken the hint because he didn’t knock again.
I pulled out my phone and dialed the shop. Hopefully, my secretary was already there. She usually was. The phone rang two times before she picked up. “Andy’s Auto Shop. This is Stephanie speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hey Steph. This is Andy. I’m not coming in. I think I have some kind of bug. Can you close up shop? You’ll be paid for the day so don’t worry.”
“Oh, dear. I hope you’re gonna be ok? I can definitely close up and go home. My nephew is in town anyway, and I want to spend time with him.”
“Sounds good. Why don’t you two treat yourself to a good meal on the company card?”
“Are you sure? I know business has been good, but is it really appropriate?”
“Oh please, Steph. You’re like family. Go. Have fun. I need some time. I’ll call later to let you know if I am coming in tomorrow. Bye.”
We both hung up, and I fell back into my soft sofa. This was insane. Maybe I should make a doctor’s appointment. Hell, maybe I needed a shrink.
I sat straight up. “No. I’m gonna find out what the hell is going on before I commit myself to an asylum.” Oh great! Now, I am talking to myself. Where is my sidekick. Investigators always had sidekicks.
