Chapter 37

The kitchen was empty. “Matt?” Vic called, hoping for another laugh to pinpoint his lover’s position. But no answer came this time. Didn’t matter, really—only the living room remained, and Vic sidled up to the doorway as quietly as he could. He listened but heard nothing—no breathing, no rustle of clothing, nothing at all. Resisting the urge to call out Matt’s name again, Vic sprung around the corner, sure he’d won…

The living room, too, was empty. The other insole lay on the floor beside the couch.

Frustrated now, Vic crossed the living room and bent to retrieve the insole. Beneath it was another note. Sit down.Raising his voice so his lover would hear him, Vic said, “Matty, come on. This isn’t funny.”

He didn’t hear the approaching footsteps, but suddenly strong, warm hands splayed across his backside. “It says down, boy,” Matt said, giving Vic a little push. “It means on the floor. Sit.”