Page 9 of Spock’s Snare

He has a point. He hates tea. “I don’t know why I suggested tea. I guess it sounds like something you should drink instead of coffee. Sorry.”

Shaking his head, he picks up the remote and turns on the television. The Las Vegas Aces are playing.

“Oh good, I didn’t miss the game. I love watching those women pound the boards.”

Once he has a fresh cup in his hands, I sit on the sofa across from him. I wait for a commercial break before I begin my inquisition.

"So..." I say quietly. "What happened?"

He stares into his coffee for several long seconds.

"I was doing my morning walk-through."

"The crew wasn't there yet?"

"Some were, most were still arriving." He rubs the back of his neck carefully. "Most of 'em headed upstairs to continue installing drywall on the fourth floor. I figured I'd make one last pass through the building."

I nod.

"When Declan found you, you were in what'll be the building manager’s office."

His brow furrows.

"I was heading upstairs."

"You never made it."

"No." His voice grows distant. "I remember walking toward the stairwell."

He closes his eyes, searching.

"Then..."

"What?"

"I don't know." Frustration hardens his features. "Something distracted me."

"What kind of something?"

"I can't remember." He shakes his head slowly. "Thought I heard something... or maybe saw movement." He grimaces. "It's just out of reach."

"You don't remember seeing anyone or hearing anything?"

"No."

“There was blood on the ground—dried blood. You must have lain unconscious for a while. Maybe an hour or so. We’re lucky Declan found you.”

His expression darkens.

“Did you see the message on the wall?” I ask.

He looks confused but then nods slowly. “I remember seeing red on the wall when the EMTs were wheeling me out, but I didn’t read it. What did it say?”

I hesitate, wishing I didn't have to repeat it.

“It was addressed to me,” I say. “It said that I’m next.”

Silence crashes over the room.