Page 75 of Crow
Chills of apprehension rushed down her spine. “Can anyone describe this person?”
“That’s the thing—all the descriptions of him can’t be true. They say he’s over seven feet tall, dressed in a long black hooded cloak, and doesn’t have a face.” He took another swig of his beer. “We know that can’t be. Fear makes a person see shit that isn’t there.”
“So you don’t think the residents have seen anyone? Why would they make that up?”
“I think someone’s stalking the halls, but who he is has gotten blown out of proportion by the tenants. They’re scared outta their fuckin’ minds. I know he’s not a damn demon, but try and tell that to some of the people I’ve talked to and they won’t believe it.”
“The only ones who’ve mentioned anything about this shadow man are Abe and an elderly tenant. You remember that afternoon. Abe seemed pretty scared, but I wasn’t sure how much of what he was saying was due to drugs or what he actually saw.” Then the memory of that day in the stairwell flooded her mind. Someone had been messing with her. She hadn’t been sure who it was but she was certain of one thing—she had been terrified. “But I do think someone is scaring the residents. He’s probably a tenant at Madera.”
“Maybe not. The security doors never work over there. Why the hell can’t you get those fixed?”
“I’m trying to. The landlord is a piece of crap. He’s one of the worst I’ve encountered since I started working in the unit. He’s promised to fix them. I’ve given him two weeks and his time is almost up.”
“They’re not fixed. I went by earlier today and the locks are still broken. Who’s the landlord?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Can’t. Anyway, you can look it up by doing a county property search online.”
“I did but it has the name of some bogus company. I have a few things I want to talk over with the asshole who owns that flop building.”
She smiled. “And wouldtalkinginclude your fists?”
“Probably.”
“I figured that. It’s better if you let me take care of it.”
Crow shook his head. “Do you think that a fuckin’ asshole like this slumlord is gonna listen to a chick? Do you think he gives a fuck about the fines and shit you give him? Wake up. People like him need to be taught a lesson.”
“I’ll pass that on to my boss if he ever needs an enforcer.” She laughed.
“I’m serious. Some shit is happening over there that has a lot of the tenants spooked. I’m thinking this shadow man could be the one killing the homeless men.”
Hairs prickled on the back of her neck. “Don’t say that.”
“Not saying it isn’t gonna make it not true.”
“But you’re just guessing.”
“My gut is telling me that what’s going on at Madera is tied to the killings.”
“Have you told the police about your suspicions?”
Crow scowled. “I don’t talk to the fuckin’ badges. We’ll figure this out.”
“Who’swe?”
“I meant,I’llfigure it out.”
“If you really believe there’s a connection, aren’t you afraid for Valerie and her kids?”
“Fuck yeah. I’m getting them an apartment. Even before all this shit started, I didn’t like Noah and Maddie being there.”
Warmth spread through her. “You’re a good brother.”
He shrugged. “Whatever.”
