Gradually my eyes grow accustomed to the darkness and I make out the shape of a woman, breathing quietly in the bed in front of me. Without thinking I take the two steps to reach the bed and stand over the sleeping form. It is intoxicating to think that this person has no idea that I am here. I could lower my hands to her neck and squeeze and feel every beat as the life drained from them in gasp after gasp, and she would never know who had done it. Unconsciously, as I stand there, my hands start to lower towards the mound in the bed, until a sudden snort rouses me.

Three quick steps and I am once more in the corridor.

At the end of the hall I enter another room, this one unoccupied and with a light still burning.

I stop, tense.

Facing me is a squat figure, his eyes burning and his arms raising to attack.