Read Online The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor - Free Book Online Page A

self-sufficient, a solitary man with solitary needs. I thank you for your hospitality, but you’ll find I’m the perfect houseguest. And I will carry my own luggage. Also, don’t expect me to join you for meals, as I eat alone, on a very specific diet. Doctors orders, I’m afraid. I am also somewhat of a night owl. As a result, I am a very late sleeper and will quite probably spend practically all my waking hours at night. Be assured I will not disturb you with my nocturnal movements. And I hope you will grant me the same graciousness during the day.”
    Keith shrugged at the man’s requests. “Whatever you want, Mr. L’Errant. Our house is your house.”
    L’Errant smiled. “Excellent. And there is no need to be so formal. Please, call me Pierre.”
    Both Granny Ruth and Keith responded at the same time. “Pierre.” “Good. Now, I believe I have a room somewhere . . .”
    Suddenly Granny Ruth jumped into action. She had been captivated by the unusual young man and had momentarily forgotten her hospitality. “Of course, of course. Silly me. Follow me, Pierre. Your room is right here.” She trotted, as much as her old legs would let her trot, down the hallway to the door at the very end. Keith wasn’t far behind.
    He opened the door to what had been Tiffany’s room, proudly showing it to Pierre. “This is where you’ll be staying. I hope it’s okay. The bathroom is just down . . .”
    Barely listening to Keith’s descriptive map of the house, Pierre’s eyes scanned the room. There was a dresser with a small television on top of it. To the right of that was a bed that seemed more fit for a young girl than a grown man. Right beside him, on the left, was a closet with five bare hangers. But most of all he noted the large window over the bed, with thin sheer curtains, tied open. He walked to the window and touched the curtains, scanning what little sky was visible through the trees. He was facing south. Through the curtain, the moon was shining into his face.
    â€œNo. This won’t do, I’m afraid. It seems I neglected to tell you of a rather important provision. I’m rather rabid about my privacy. It’s a peculiarity of mine. Open windows make me uncomfortable.”
    Keith and Granny Ruth looked at each other, puzzled.
    â€œI don’t quite understand,” said Keith.
    There was a concerned expression on the mysterious man’s face. “There will be too much light in this room come the morning. I have certain medical difficulties that require an unusual lifestyle. I need four walls. No windows. Is it possible to make other arrangements?” He paused.
    Keith scratched his head in thought. “Okay, then. Well, let’s see. Four walls. No windows. Complete privacy. That sounds like—”
    â€œâ€”the basement.” Granny Ruth finished his sentence.
    L’Errant smiled slightly. He had unnaturally white teeth. “The basement. That would be perfect. I am quite willing to offer a bonus for the inconvenience. It was all my fault for being unclear.”
    Keith wasn’t sure he was quite following this conversation. “Let me get this straight, you want to pay extra to live in our basement? It’s not the most comfortable place in the world. Kinda damp. It’s not finished. And lots of spiders, I’m told.”
    â€œI’ve slept in far worse places, Mr. Hunter.”
    â€œKeith.”
    â€œKeith, then. Do we have a deal?”
    â€œWell, one thing at least, Pierre,” said Granny Ruth. “ Aiyoo! You’ve made one little girl very happy. She’ll be so surprised. I’ll move her stuff back up.”
    â€œWell, all I can say Mr. L’Er . . . Pierre, is if you want to sleep in our basement, that’s your business. Hell, you can hang from the ceiling for all I care.”
    Pleased, L’Errant clasped his hands in front of him, then let