Opposite the door he had opened was another, leading, apparently, to a room at the back of the house.

From behind it, he could have sworn came the sounds of a stealthily moved body and softened breathing.

A presence, unseen but felt, was all about.

Not without effort did he conquer the impulse to look behind him at every breath.
Determined to be no longer eluded, he crossed the room on tiptoe and gently tried the opposite door.

It was locked.