He didn’t want to risk running into Jamal in the neighborhood where she lived.
When he got home, Malik’s first move was to check the hiding place under the floorboards where he kept his gun.
The weapon, bought on the black market many years ago, had never been used, but it gave him a sense of security.
He took out the gun, checked the bullets, and put it back, just in case.
The morning greeted Malik with the usual pain in his arm and face.
He had slept only 3 hours.
Thoughts of Besham had kept him awake.
After a meager breakfast of coffee and toast, he set off on his usual walk.
Every day off, Malik left the house around noon and spent several hours visiting places where Shania might be.
He didn’t follow her, just kept an eye on her.
He went to the store where she usually bought groceries and sat in the same park where she sometimes came with a book.
