Page 69 of Freaks Of Nature

I sag against the door for a moment, sighing heavily as I take inventory of my body’s aches. I wish I had a tub to soak in. My legs feel like cooked spaghetti.

The conversation in the guys’ kitchen this afternoon has been playing in my mind on a loop. After Ash made that firstcomment about my apartment being unsafe, Mason must’ve felt compelled to prove his point by breaking in.

Or perhaps he simply enjoys scaring the shit out of me.

I know they aren’t wrong. The building is old, has rusty pipes, drafty windows, and sketchy wiring, but it isn’t as dilapidated as they make it sound. Power has only gone out here once since I moved in.

It was so easy for him to gain access, though.

A chill of dread prickles over my skin. What if it had been someone else?

Like the one who’s been strangling the women…I shudder.

Yeah, I need a better job, and then I need to get out of here, I determine.

I push away from the door and wobble into my bedroom, ignoring the latest rejection letter I received in the mail lying on my nightstand when I drop my keys there.

Despite the mattress calling my name, I want to take a shower first to get the diner stink off me.

Stepping under the lukewarm spray, I remind myself thatImade the choice to leave an easy ride behind. That I’m here because I wanted to be independent and not rely on others as a crutch.

Ash’s offer is not a handout, though; even if it’s not exactly what I’m looking for. It’s still a job. A better one. With a job at the auto shop, I wouldn’t have to work nights anymore. That would be nice.

But moving in with them?

How could I not feel like I’m prostituting myself for a safe roof over my head? For a heater that works consistently? For a hot shower with water pressure? For a fucking bathtub?

Right!I’d much rather give it up for free.Gotta keep your pride, girl.

Dropping my forehead against the tile, I let the soft drizzle from above wash away the tears that threaten to well up.

It’s not until I open my eyes again, that I notice I’m standing in the dark.

A growl builds in my throat. “Great! Just. Fucking.Great.”

I shake my head and shut off the water before snatching the towel from the hook.

At least I already rinsed my hair out.

I give myself a quick pat down to dry most of the water dripping from me, then secure the towel around my chest. With my wet hair hanging in messy streaks down my back, I feel my way into the kitchen where I keep a flashlight and candles.

The hallway is pitch black. I clutch the towel tighter to my body, and my heart rate picks up a notch. I can’t see my own hand as my fingertips brush the wall to my right for guidance.

The floor gives a creak under my bare feet.

As I come up to the corner, faint light penetrates the kitchen curtains from the street lamp outside.

I try one of the switches, hoping they might run on a different circuit that isn’t affected, but nothing happens. The apartment remains dark.

Another creak from the hallway has me spinning around to face the door I just came through.

Someone’s in my apartment.

A freezing cold rushes my skin as I realize I might have walked right past him in the hall without knowing.

I stare at the dark void beyond the door frame, my voice trembling with a flicker of hope. “Mason?”

Oh God, please let it be him.