Chapter 6 - THE MAN BEHIND THE WINDOW
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The Pennsylvania facility had closed eighteen months earlier.
Investigators obtained records through legal process and interviewed former employees.
A nurse remembered Daniel Ward.
“He was quiet,” she said. “Very polite. He liked drawing boats.”
Roman's heart twisted.
Julian had always drawn boats.
“Did he have family?” Meredith asked.
The nurse hesitated.
“He talked about an older brother.”
Roman leaned forward.
“What did he say?”
The nurse looked uncomfortable.
“He said his brother had forgotten him.”
Roman lowered his head.
The records suggested Julian had suffered a serious head injury and had undergone extended treatment.
His memory had been inconsistent during the early years.
There were references to episodes of confusion, anxiety, and difficulty recognizing people.
But later notes indicated substantial improvement.
Then the records stopped.
Someone had transferred him.
No destination was listed.
That night, Roman sat alone in his apartment.
Narelli found him staring at the river.
He had not eaten.
She placed a plate beside him.
“Dinner.”
“I'm not hungry.”
“That's unfortunate.”
He looked up.
She sat opposite him.
“Eat anyway.”
Roman almost smiled.
Then he noticed the bruise on her neck.
It had darkened.
“You should have taken more time off.”
“I've had enough of people telling me what I should do.”
He nodded.
“Fair.”
She watched him.
“Roman, what happens when you find Julian?”
He looked toward the water.
“I bring him home.”
“What if he doesn't want that?”
The question struck him.
He turned.
Narelli continued gently.
“He's been living a life you know nothing about. He may have fears, relationships, or reasons for staying away.”
Roman looked down.
“I know.”
“Do you?”
He sighed.
“No.”
She reached across the table.
“Then start there.”
At midnight, Roman's phone rang.
An unknown number.
He answered.
“Hello?”
For several seconds, there was only breathing.
Then a man's voice spoke.
“Roman?”
Roman went still.
The voice was older.
Rougher.
But unmistakable.
“Julian?”
Silence.
Then:
“Don't come looking for me.”
Roman gripped the phone.
“Where are you?”
“I can't tell you.”
“Are you safe?”
Another pause.
“No.”
Roman stood.
“Then let me help.”
Julian's voice broke.
“You already tried to help me once.”
Roman felt something collapse inside his chest.
May you like
“Julian—”
The line went dead.
