Chapter Twelve
Chief
My apartment door was slightly ajar when I got home, and I drew my sidearm in an instant and scissor-stepped to the wall. With one foot I eased the door open, took a breath, and then moved into the doorway with my nine-millimeter pistol extended in front of me.
Someone had broken into my apartment. Someone was probably still there, seeking to take what little I had left, and somebody was going to regret it!
My steps were slow and assured, my legs giving my body perfect balance, my feet planted solidly on the carpeted floor. I made no noise as I moved forward. My weight was concentrated firmly in my middle, and my body was loose, not tense.
The door to my dungeon was locked, and no light showed underneath the door itself. No one was inside. I tested the door, but
