“You’re late”.
Rufus said when Malik entered the security room.
“Did something happen?” “Nothing”.
Malik lied.
“I’m just not feeling well”.
Rufus gave him a careful look, but said nothing.
Over the years they had worked together, he had learned to respect Malik’s secrecy.
The night shift passed in tense anticipation.
Malik couldn’t stop thinking about Jamal standing outside Shanaya’s house.
What did he want? Had he noticed Malik in the park? Had he recognized him despite the scars and disfigured face? In the days that followed, Malik focused all his attention on Jamal.
He changed his routine, trying to always be nearby when the madman appeared in the neighborhood.
It was risky behavior, but his fear for Shanaya outweighed his caution.
Malik discovered that Jamal often frequented the Blue Moon bar a couple of blocks from Shanaya’s house.
Several times, the madman stood in front of her building again, as if waiting for someone or something.
