chapter 21

I closed the door tightly.

Holding my breath, I pressed my eye against the peephole.

I stood on tiptoe, straining to see what was happening outside.

But aside from a faint glimmer of green light,

I couldn’t see anything at all.

Outside, there was only the sound of wind and rain-nothing else could be heard.

A draft through the crack under the door carried the smell of blood,

bit by bit seeping into my nostrils.

I didn’t dare make a sound.

Suddenly.

Right below my door,

came the sound of fingernails scratching against the door.

Someone was gently tapping on my door.

Tap. Tap.

Weak and feeble.

“Who…”

I asked, trembling.

He tapped on the door twice more.

“It’s me, me, open up!”

It was the voice of 402.

He’s okay-what a relief.

I stood up and looked through the peephole again.

“Where are the other two?” I asked.

“Let me in first, damn it, I almost got stabbed to death by that guy.”

“Who?”

“Who else could it be-the bastard in 502. He acted like he’d lost his mind. I thought he was going to help me deal with that lunatic murderer, but he came at me with a knife. Good thing I reacted quickly.”

“So where’s the guy from 502?” I asked again.

“I don’t know. I stabbed him twice in return. That little punk is no match for me-I chased him off. Hurry up and open the door! If you don’t let me in, and he comes back to kill me, I’m done for.”

I kept my gaze cold, continuing to watch the door for a while longer.

I really didn’t hear any other movement.

Finally, I opened the door.