Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 493

Tarquin arrived at the Future Community, the neighborhood eerily silent, with only a few scattered lights on. At this hour, most residents were already deep in sleep. Parking his car in a secluded corner, Tarquin glanced towards Blossom's house, which, along with the one opposite, remained dark. Squinting slightly, he stepped out of his car. The remnants of stray cats had been cleared, yet a thick scent of blood lingered in the air, adding a chilling touch to the cold night.

He strolled towards building 10, took the elevator to the top floor, and approached the house opposite Blossom's. After a quick glance at the door number, he rang the bell. As expected, the bell echoed unanswered. Pulling out his phone, Tarquin pretended to make a call, "Hello, maintenance? I'm a resident from building 10, unit 2. There's a leak from the apartment above dripping into mine, and nobody's home up there. Could you send someone to check the top floor of unit 2? I'll wait here..."

Before he could finish, the door creaked open a sliver, revealing a man's voice, "Where's the leak?" Tarquin didn’t respond, and sensing something amiss, the man tried to close the door. Quick on his feet, Tarquin wedged the door with his shoe and forced his way in!

The man immediately lashed out, but Tarquin, with his quick reflexes, dodged and grabbed the assailant's wrist, pinning him against the door. The intruder was no easy target and managed to free himself, launching a counterattack. A scuffle ensued in the pitch-dark room, with the sound of objects breaking the only clue to their violent ballet.

Soon, the intruder was at a disadvantage. Realizing this, the man hastily turned on the light. Upon recognizing Tarquin, his surprise was evident, "You?!"

Tarquin, with a cold voice, retorted, "You're not him." The man paused, then laughed, "Not who?" Tarquin wasn't in the mood for games, warning sharply, "The one I'm looking for isn't you. Don't make things harder for yourself. Where is he?"

The man tensed, hesitated for a moment, then bolted into the bedroom. Tarquin was quick to follow. Inside, the man had the elderly homeowner in a chokehold, threatening, "If you don’t want her dead, let me go." The old lady was motionless, seemingly unconscious.