The Last Victim Chapter 18

"Welcome home.’’ Maddy said emotionlessly.

"It’s good to see you at last.’’ Niko exclaimed sarcastically.

"I’ve been busy.’’

"Sure.’’

He was sipping his coffee and looking out of the window. She was pouring herself orange juice. Maddy was in her forties, tall and slightly overweight. She had short brown hair and blue eyes. She never liked him and he knew that. She got married to Rouvas when Niko was 14. She asked Rouvas to let him live with Helen or Roderigo but he refused and she had to accept and wait till Niko grow up and leave home. But he didn’t, there was no sign that he is leaving. She couldn’t hide her resentment. The attention Niko gets from his father annoyed her. At times she thought that Rouvas married her to be a mother for Niko so she made sure she acts the total opposite.

"Has Dad woke up yet?’’ Niko asked turning his head to her.

"He’s still sleeping like a baby, he haven’t slept properly for nearly two months.’’

There was a moment of silence then she said "How were you kidnapped?’’

He looked at her intently and said after a pause "I was drugged.’’

"How?’’ she insisted.

"A needle.’’

"Did he make love to you?’’

"Don’t tell me you don’t know.’’ He said, surprised at her choice of words.

"I know.’’

"Did you enjoy it?’’ she continued.

He turned and looked at her indignantly.

"Well, I know that penis is blind, it’s like …a physical reaction.’’

"Yeah, like you enjoy burning coal stuck in your rear.’’

"Why didn’t you try to escape then?’’

"Because I was tied Maddy!’’ he exclaimed, loosing his calmness.

"There must have been a moment when you could run away.’’

"What are you getting at?’’

"Nothing, I’m just asking innocent questions, why do you think he chose you?’’

"What do you mean?’’

"There must be something that attracted him to you.’’

"Maddy, it would better if you shut your mush.’’

"Maybe it was a gesture, something you did or said that was inviting.’’

"For God’s sake!’’ he yelled at her.

"What?’’

"What’s wrong with you? You mean that it’s my fault?’’

"I didn’t say that!’’

"Maddy, it’s better if you keep your mouth shut.’’

"Do not talk to me like that!’’

He looked at her with glaring eyes and smashed the cup on the floor with an angry groan.

He stomped off and slapped the door behind him. "What if she is right?’’ he thought.

"What if he really brought this on himself?’’ "Can this be?’’

Two men stepped into the garden. One of them was tall, dark with sharp features. The other one was white, medium height with a friendly face.

"Hi, Niko.’’ The dark one said extending his hand.

Niko shook hands with both men in with inquiring eyes.

"I am Detective Inspector Brandon Conelli and this is Stephen Rowan, a Criminal Profiler. We came to ask you some questions.’’

"Am I in one of Val Mcermaid’s novels?’’

"I don’t know her.’’ Brandon said with a smile.

"I am not ready to talk about anything, Detective.’’ Niko said seriously.

"He is free on the streets now, you know?’’ Stephen said.

"I know.’’ Niko choked.

"Do you want this to happen to another person?’’

"No.’’

"It is in your hands to help us capture him, it will take us a longer time without your help.’’

"I just want to forget and move on.’’ Niko said in pain.

"He maybe tracking the next victim at the moment.’’ Stephen declared.

"I….What do you want to know?’’

"Can we do it inside?’’

"Ok.’’ He beckoned them to come inside.

Rouvas asked them who were they and Niko introduced them.

"Where are the other maladroits?’’ Rouvas exclaimed sarcastically.

"They were reprimanded and they are out of the case now.’’ Brandon said formally.

"Good for them.’’

"Shall we start?’’ Stephen asked.