"Nico."Frode's voice was a little slurred.He'd stretched out on the couch and looked half asleep already.His phone, keys, wallet, and a box of raisins were on the coffee table.
Nikolai smiled at him."Yes, honey?"
Frode huffed."I'm fine.Go back and hand over the case."
"Do you have a spare key?"
Narrowed eyes met his."Are you trying to move in with me?"
Nikolai chuckled."Maybe, but most of all I want to lock the door behind me since I suspect you won't get up to do it."
"Right you are."He took a deep breath."Erm...I think there is one on one of the hooks on the coat rack.The one with a Sun-Maid key ring."
Nikolai almost laughed when he saw the key ring.It looked like one of the small Sun-Maid boxes Frode carried everywhere."How did you get hold of this?"
"Got it when I bought several packs at once."
"Of course."Nikolai grabbed it and winced."My touch is on this now."
"It's fine.I never touch it without gloves."He sounded as if he was falling asleep.Nikolai walked into the TV room again, kissed his forehead, and sighed.He didn't want to go.
"I'll lock the door on my way out."
* * * *
Frode woke to a knock on the door.It was dark outside, which had him flying off the couch.He'd slept the entire afternoon away.
Another knock sounded, louder this time.
Nikolai would use the key to unlock the door, wouldn't he?And Hjalmar didn't knock like that, plus he'd most likely call if Frode didn't open after the first knock.
Only half awake, he stumbled toward the door and fumbled with the lock.He pushed the door open and stared at...Saylor.Blinking to make sure he was seeing what he was seeing, he then narrowed his eyes."Saylor?Is everything all right?"Fuck, Nikolai would kill him.
Saylor studied him but didn't speak for several long seconds, then he smiled."Are you going to invite me in?"
"No."
Saylor's eyes hardened, and a shiver skidded down Frode's spine.He should've gotten a dog.A big, growly dog.He didn't think Captain Scratch would come to the rescue.
"No?"
"No.I don't invite anyone into my home.It's my sanctuary, the only place I remove my gloves."He closed the door behind him, locking them both out, to make it clear he wasn't about to change his mind.
Saylor's gaze dropped to his gloved hands."But not today."
"I fell asleep with them on."
"Hmm."He took a step forward, crowding Frode."Then you're fine, right?"
Frode stood his ground."Back off.I'm willing to go to a coffee shop or something if you want to talk, but I'm not going to invite you inside."He did not want to go anywhere.Where was his phone?His pocket was empty.Nikolai would be so angry with him for beingthis careless.
"What is there to say?"
Frode was confused, and it must've shown because Saylor laughed.It sounded false, or maybe more unhinged than false."You don't know?"
He believed he did, but he couldn't be sure."Know what?"Would he tell him?Would he confess?He should've recorded this conversation, but his phone hadn't magically appeared in his hand.
What time was it?Maybe Nikolai would come soon.He was almost surprised he hadn't come yet or at least called.Maybe he had.It wouldn't be the first time he'd slept through his phone ringing, especially not on a day he'd done a reading.
