Don't Read After Dark: Keep the lights on while reading these! (A McCray Horror Collection) by Carolyn McCray Read Free Book Online

and a pair of sheepskin slippers at the foot of the couch.
    The manager pointed an accusatory finger at a small Habitrail on a table under the window. “Hey! She’s not supposed to have that! It is very clear in the lease. No pets. None.”
    “An illegal rodent is the least of my concerns,” Jake stated. “Which way to the bedroom?”
    The manager grunted, glaring at the hamster’s house, but pointed up the stairs.
    Jake went up the staircase to find a door. He knocked loudly again, asking, “Ms. Montgomery? Are you home?’
    When there was no answer, Jake opened the bedroom door to find more of the same. A tastefully decorated room. The only thing truly unique or personal was a small collection of antique glass perfume bottles. He picked one up and inhaled.
    “White diamonds.”
    He crossed the room and opened the closet. It was full of business casual work clothes and more work clothes.
    “So, Nancy was right. You really didn’t have much of a social life, did you?”
    “Yeah,” the manager grunted. “You done, or what?”
    “Such concern,” Jake said as he exited the bedroom and went back down the stairs. The manager followed and picked up the Habitrail.
    “Yeah, well, I’m taking the hamster.”
    Jake shook his head. “Oh no, you’re not.”
    “Yes, I am,” the manager said, moving toward the front door.
    “Look, just put down the hamster, sir,” Jake encouraged. “I’m too damned tired to draw down on you.”
    The guy looked confused. His big, bushy eyebrows pulling together into a Neanderthal unibrow.
    “Let’s just pretend that I’ve got my gun up right now,” Jake said.
    The manager finally seemed to get the hint, and put the hamster back down on the table. He huffed loudly as he headed to the door. Jake put his hand out.
    “Leave the key,” Jake said. “I’ll lock up when I leave.”
    With a frown and a barely suppressed lasagna burp, the manger handed over the key and headed out.
    Once relieved of the man’s onerous presence, Jake headed over to the hamster. There was plenty of water, but no food. The little furry brown and white guy was hitting the food bowl, turning it over, looking for dinner.
    “Well, I think that confirms that she hasn’t been home tonight.”
    Jake scanned the room for hamster food, but no go. He went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. The shelves were nearly bare.
    “And Evie, you don’t seem to be a big cook.”
    He could see some carrots and fresh broccoli, though. He didn’t think they were for Evie.
    “But this is exactly what the discerning rodent palate desires,” he said, bringing the veggies to the hamster cage.
    “There you go. That should keep until your mom comes home,” Jake said.
    He picked up the keys from the table. There wasn’t much more to do here.
    Jake was about to walk out when he noticed a photo album on the coffee table. He couldn’t help himself as he sat down and picked up the album. The first picture was of a young girl at a family picnic. Another was of a college-aged Evie at a college football game. Then a series of pictures with a young man, obviously smitten with her.
    “Well, you were happy once…”
    * * *
    Evie felt herself sway to the side. She snapped awake again, making sure she had her trusty knife in her hand. The other men were taunting Clyde as he dragged himself back to his cell.
    “Guess they’re not going to call you ‘Buck the Fuck’ anymore,” Back chuckled.
    “’Doe the Fuck,’” Door offered.
    “Or wait. Wait, “Andrew said. “Bambi the…” he made a hand motion. “You know.” Yes, unfortunately, Evie knew firsthand what Andrew meant.
    “Yeah,” Door said to Andrew. “Your ability to strike terror into the hearts of women just evaporated.”
    Despite the men’s banter, Evie had to catch herself again from falling over. Darion rose from the cot.
    “Here, sit,” he said.
    Evie snapped her metal fragment back up, pointing it at him.
    “Look,” he said. “You’re barely able