#Chapter 111: Susan, the Seductress

Kadeem Kadeem slung his keys onto the sideboard. "Hey," he said, greeting Mateo, who was nestled in front of the glowing TV screen, transfixed by cable news. Mateo shook himself out of his trance and answered, "Hey." Kadeem's gaze drifted around the dim room, lit only by the light of the television. He took in the large stone hearth, the rich leather furniture, the window of green plants that Mateo had brought in after he came to stay with Kadeem, and then the empty, large farmhouse table. His eyes paused over the table for a moment, picturing the seats filled with the children he could now, truly love and hold as his. "There's some chicken breast and carrots leftover," Mateo said. "I wrapped them up and put them on the bottom shelf of the fridge." "Thanks," Kadeem said, "But I already ate." He switched on one of the table lamps and let out a sigh. No sign of Susan. She must have wandered up to rest in Kadeem’s guest room. Mateo clicked off the news. "I think I've found