Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 233

Knock. Knock. Knock.

No answer.

Dorian rapped his knuckles against the wood again, but the silence remained unbroken.

Frowning, he fished a small wire from his pocket, slid it into the lock, and jiggled it. A soft click echoed, and the lock gave way.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was claustrophobic, barely a hundred square feet, holding nothing but a single rickety bed, a small table, and a solitary chair. A pile of cheap plastic buckets and battered thermoses sat neglected in the corner.

Layers of old newspaper taped over the window blocked out almost all the natural light. The air inside was foul, thick with the overpowering stench of stale cigarette smoke, sour sweat, and unwashed feet. It was enough to make anyone gag.

A man was sprawled out on the mattress. He looked to be in his fifties, his frame gaunt and frail. With wild, greasy hair, a scruffy beard, and a faded undershirt clinging to his chest, he was completely passed out, snoring loudly.

A half-empty bottle of cheap liquor sat on the nightstand alongside several dead soldiers, while discarded peanut shells and cigarette butts littered the grimy floor.

Dorian walked over and delivered a swift kick to the bed frame. "Arnold Vance."

The man didn't flinch. Dorian kicked it again, much harder this time. "Arnold!"

The figure on the bed finally groaned and rolled over. Bleary, bloodshot eyes fluttered open, rolling wildly for a moment before managing to focus on the intruder's face. "Who... who the hell are you?"

"Dorian Chase. We met in lockup. Did you forget?"

Arnold froze for a second before pushing himself upright. He rubbed his eyes, squinting hard at Dorian before a yellow-toothed grin broke out across his face. "Oh, right! Dorian, my man! I remember now. What brings you to this dump?"

"Just checking in." Dorian pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, slid one out, and offered it over.

Arnold snatched it eagerly, sticking it between his lips as he fumbled for the lighter on his nightstand. He took a long, greedy drag, his eyes fluttering shut in sheer satisfaction. "Good to see you've still got a heart, buddy. Nice of you to visit."

He exhaled a cloud of thick smoke, raking a critical eye over Dorian's sharp appearance. "You doing well for yourself out there?"

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