His stomach clenched as he pulled the door closed behind him. Sadist dug his phone from his pocket and dialed Ruger.
“You busy?” he asked as soon as his best friend answered.
“Not with anything pressing, what’s up?”
“I need a ride.”
There was a beat of silence on the other end, then Ruger asked for the address.
“That’s not far. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Is everything okay?” Ruger said.
“Just pick me up.”
“Will do.”
Sadist pocketed his phone then sat at the top of the stairs and put on his boots. He should have done this inside, but he had to get out of there. His chest ached as he thought of Beth and the hurt he’d caused her.
He stood and with one last glance at her door, half wishing she’d come out and ask him not to leave, he descended the stairs. On the ground, he
