“I don’t know,” Israel said, but from the tone of his voice, Ted could hear there was more coming.

“Yeah?” he said.

“He did some damage,” Israel said.

What could the guy have done? Smashed Ted’s IKEA furniture? His ten-year-old flat screen? Ted could replace it with a new model with twice the features at half the cost. “Well, I’m sorry you and Phateena were upset. But I’ll take care of it. I doubt he’ll come around again.” There was no point in releasing his anger and frustration on two people who were already terrified. “Did you report it?”

“The police are upstairs now.”

Israel must have been well and truly frightened. In normal circumstances, the only reason to report an apartment break-in was to get a case number to provide the insurance company. Ted didn’t have insurance. The sum total of his possessions wouldn’t qualify for the deductible on a policy.

“I’ll go talk to them. Then I’m going to pick up some spare shirts and get out of here. I’ll be away for a while. Maybe a week or so.” Ted had no idea how long he would need to stay out of the Russians’ crosshairs, but more than a few days sounded like a lot.

“Ted, I am sorry.” Israel looked more embarrassed than apologetic.

“No, don’t sweat it, Israel. It’s the big city. Shit happens and people are nuts, but I’m going to take care of it. This was in no way your fault.”

“No. I am sorry that I have to say this, but you have to move. Right away. I can’t have that man here.”

Ted let it sink in. He could argue, but what was the point? If the giant wanted to find him, he would always look here first—as would the Russians if they wanted to slap him around again. He would never be safe here.

“I’ll continue to get my mail here,” Ted said.

This took Israel by surprise. “Why? I mean, if you’re gone—”

Ted cut him off. “You want me out? We could be in Housing Court for months, and you might not win. I’ll pay you to hold my mail. Ten bucks a week.”

“I don’t know.”

“Yeah, you do. And I’ll bet you still want me as a client.”

Israel’s surprised expression was all Ted needed. The fees Israel had been paid for basically no work at all added up over time. “Take the deal, Israel. You owe me for two weeks’ rent plus my deposit. Cut me a check. I’ll pick it up the next time I come by for the mail.”

“Phateena won’t like it. She’s frightened.”

“So are you. So am I. So what?”