Straining his hearing, he lurked on the doorstep trying to work out if Ralph was in the house. Even though it felt as if several lifetimes had passed since he ran to the hospital, it was still only New Year’s Day. Ralph wouldn’t be at work. But maybe he could have gone to a friend’s house or, more likely, to a pub? Not a sound came from inside the placid looking semi-detached house, but it still seemed like finding Ralph had gone out was too much to hope for. Taking a deep breath, Liam finally stepped inside. Closing the door softly behind him, he crept along the hallway. An old oak floorboard creaked beneath his foot. Liam froze; closing his eyes, waiting for the angry words that he was sure would fill the air. Nothing. Liam began to breathe again. Opening his eyes, he moved forward once more, until he was able to peer past the open living room door. A fist full of panic caught Liam around the throat, threatening to choke the air out of him.
