Chapter 6

“You want to watch soap operas?” Vincent’s face fell.

Nikoloz set down the camera and tape recorder. He took his partner’s hand and spoke loudly. “Yes, let us just sit here and relax. It was a long drive and I am quite fatigued.”

He put a finger to his lips and tugged Vincent toward the bathroom. Vincent caught on quickly. A mischievous expression crossed his face. “If I nod off,” he said just as loudly, “don’t wake me up. Drama always put me right to sleep.”

They tiptoed into the bathroom and Nikoloz closed the door quietly. He looked around carefully. There was no ventilation opening in the small room—only a space heater in one corner for the winter. He spoke quietly. “I believe we should be safe in here, even if the child is able to hear or see us in the main rooms.”

Vincent shuddered. “The thought of that little creep watching us in the bedroom makes my skin crawl.”

“I thought you identified with the boy.”