Chapter 7

On day four, the sun shone, and Nico did not reappear. Alec tapped his fingers on the desk. He went out on the balcony again with the excuse of watering the plants, even after days of rain. No noise drifted from upstairs. On a whim, Alec scooted the patio chair to the edge of the balcony, grabbed the railing, and leaned over to see if he could get a peek of Nico’s place.

The low, slightly strangled coo behind him sent a shiver through Alec. He turned slowly to see the scarlet pigeonelle hopping toward him. “Back off, berserker bird,” he hissed. “I have had it with you.” As expected, the bird continued to make his way toward Alec. Determined not to panic, he leaned back. The pigeon fluttered its wings wildly, and Alec stopped. The bird stopped. He repeated the move and was met again with spastic fluttering. “Do you expect me to liveout here with you?” Alec said through gritted teeth.