The house looks expensive from the outside. All stucco and glass. I knock twice, then EZ-pick the lock and push the side door to the kitchen open. We’re good at this now. Ephraim moves to the beeping security system and punches in the codes. I move to the phone to wait for the call, if it comes. Twom and Deliza move quickly into the kitchen. It’s only when we turn on a light that we realize it’s a pigsty. Drawers and cupboards are open. Open cans, milk and juice bottles, and Chinese takeout cartons are on the counters. There are unwashed pans on the stove. The sink is full of grimy dishes and there is the smell of rotting food. “Maybe the maid didn’t come,” says Ephraim, weakly. “Billy?” We hear Twom call from the other room and we move to join him. He and Deliza stand in the entryway to the living room. “Whoa…” says Ephraim. It is beyond badly decorated. Ashtrays overflow. Carpets are soiled. Wine bottles, glasses, and junk are everywhere. It’s as if hyenas live in this house.
