The air was crisp and frigid. The snow squeaked and crunched under her shoes. Justine felt her pocket for the outline of the single key that was there and touched it like a talisman. She leaned back in and hauled her purse out. Closing the door and fishing in her purse for the keys she’d flung in earlier, she locked the door with a single beep, though there didn’t seem to be anyone around, menacing or otherwise.
The green bird hadn’t moved. It still regarded her from the branch bobbing slightly under its weight. Justine cast it one more look, then started out.
It didn’t take her long to find the right number. The key in her pocket fit easily, like a newly-made key should, though the lock appeared loose and not at all difficult to pick or break. The wooden door was warped and swollen.
Justine realized she was holding her breath. Unsure of what she’d find and less than eager to find out, she pushed the door open with one foot. The scene registered one detail at a time.
On the whole, it was a tidy place, but clearly unused for a long time. Several months if the lawyers were right. The glass coffee table had a layer of dust. The recliner looked well used and barely holding together but somehow noble in its decrepitude. It was a navy plaid with gold and red stripes, she thought. The couch didn’t match, but didn’t clash either, a simple fold-out model in a fuzzy brown material. It also looked well-used. She wondered if he had slept out here or had frequent guests.
No way of knowing.
Behind the living space on the right was an eating area, separated from the kitchen by a low bar. Straight back, Justine could see the opening to the single bedroom and she guessed the bathroom was en suite. Neat. Not junked up or dirty. Not your typical bachelor’s pad. Had he been a bachelor? Surely. If he’d had a wife she wouldn’t be here, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t attached. Justine almost turned around, but something caught her eye. A cutglass bowl on the bar counter that separated the kitchen and eating areas. It was full of…she couldn’t see.
Justine took a step inside and the door closed behind her. She didn’t like being in there, but the thought of someone else coming in freaked her out more, so she locked it quickly and put the key back in her pocket. She kept one hand on in for a moment longer then she turned around.
litewings.ink 