Chapter 100: Hostage – Klempner

Rattie, still on the floor, wails panic, thrashing around, blocking my exit. Yanking him upright, I slam him against the wall, out of my way, but from outside comes a crash, followed by a frail scream. "I've got her! Back off or I'll open her up like a stuck pig."

In the corridor, the door opposite is kicked open, a cheap chain dangling loose, trailing screws and wood splinters, the room spilling the stink of unwashed body and stale urine.

A knife at her throat, Hoodie's got some old woman, her arms locked behind her. God knows how old she is. Stringy grey hair's not seen shampoo in recent times. Gibbering her terror, she spills tears from yellowed eyes as he drags her backward with him.

I take a step after the pair. "What a hero. Going up in the world, aren't you. Moving from unprotected street woman to helpless pensioners. Is that your standard? Defenceless hookers and octogenarians?"