“Here about the room?” asked Mara.

“I’m looking for a new place to stay,” said the man. He sounded tired, or in withdrawal. Mara’d put one hand on the bat behind the door the moment she’d seen him. He looked like he’d been living in his car: rumpled cheap suit, five o’clock shadow from a couple weeks ago, and bags under his… his eyes.

Without thinking, she avoided eye contact.

But she needed the money. She released the bat and led him into the house. “Let me show you the room. It’s cozy. I wouldn’t figure it for… someone like you.”

“I’m looking to make a change,” he said. “My place isn’t welcoming any longer.” He looked at Mara. “You look comfortable.”

“I like it here.” Her smile came and went in a blink. “Rent’s two-fifty, includes utilities and laundry.” Pause. “You going to look at the room?”

“Looks fine,” he said, staring at her.

She didn’t need the money that badly. “Great. Come back tomorrow for the lease.”

“I’ll take it now,” he said.

“Tomorrow, Mr….”

“Abaddon,” he said. “Look into my eyes. Look!”

She did. She screamed. He screamed. Then she said, “I think I’ll like it here.”