“The homeless man?” Angie asked.
Fear spread across the tenant’s face. “No.” He glanced over to the door again. “The shadow man,” he whispered.
“What does he look like?” Joey asked.
Abe threw him a wry look. “He’s theshadow man. It means he’s in the fucking shadows.”
“Did you tell the police any of this?” she asked gently.
Shaking his head vigorously, he said, “No. No. No. No police. The shadow man knows all.”
Crow sat down next to Angie, his leg so close that it brushed against her knee, sending a delicious tingle through her. His nearness thrust her carnal instincts into high-alert mode. She tried to scoot over, but Joey was plastered to her other side. Angie’s thoughts scattered as the scent of Crow’s aftershave enveloped her.
“How often have you seen this dude?” he asked.
“Many times. He’s knocked on my door, but I don’t answer.” A glazed look came over Abe’s face. “He’s the Devil’s servant.”
“So you have no idea what he looks like?” Joey asked.
“He has no face, only shadows.”
She glanced over at Crow. His gaze centered on the assortment of glass weed pipes on the coffee table, a pensive expression on his face.
“Do you believe him?” she asked in a low voice.
“Yeah,” he said, without looking at her.
A shudder of fear crept up her back.
“Thanks for letting us know about this guy,” Joey said, standing up.
“He’s nota guy—he’s the Devil’s servant. He lives in the shadows and roams at night,” Abe mumbled.
Looking at Angie, Joey said, “I still have to go to two eighty-nine. Are you staying for more ofthis?”
Shaking her head, she jumped to her feet then stepped over to Abe. “Don’t think about it anymore. Make sure you don’t open the door to anyone. If you feel threatened, call nine-one-one, okay?” She squeezed the man’s shoulder.
He looked up and nodded slightly.
“I’ll bring you another sandwich in a few days. How does meatball and peppers sound?”
Abe’s eyes brightened, and he licked his lips. “Delicious. You’re a sweet girl, Angie.”
“Take care of yourself. If you need anything, call me.”
“I’ll meet you by the car in an hour,” Joey said as he walked out of the room.
“Okay.”
She turned around and saw Crow filling one of the pipes with weed. He handed it to Abe, who took a lighter out of his shirt pocket.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. This is the good shit.” He dropped a small baggie onto the table. “That’s for you. If you need something, you got my number.”
“Back at you, brother,” Abe said, holding up the lighter.
Angie followed Crow out into the hallway, closing the door behind her.