I scanned the paper with Ronnie's head right next to me. There were a few Avery's—
Michael Avery.
Thomas Avery.
Geneva Avery.
Lance Averson
But no Bishop Avery.
"No. I don’t recognize any of these names." I shook my head frowning
Mullins nodded once before taking the paper back. "Well, the partial didn’t give us much unfortunately, but if anything else occurs please reach out. If you see the truck again and are able to get the full license, we could have something to stick on him."
"So that's it?" Ronnie snapped. "Y'all can't do shit else?"
Mullins leaned back slightly in her chair. "Again—we can't directly connect him to the apartment right now. But I do think it's important you both remain cautious."
My eyes dropped back down to the mugshot. I couldn’t stop staring at it. He looked so different younger. Harder somehow, but still baby faced.
"That's fucking ridiculous," Ronnie shook her head. "You mean to tell me somebody picked our locks, stole her underwear and y'all still can't do shit?"
"Ronnie," I whispered weakly although I totally agreed. I just didn't want her to cause a scene that would get us both locked up.
Mullins remained calm. "I understand your frustration. But legally we need more than suspicion." Her gaze came back to me. "I'm sorry, Gianna. I wish there was more we could do."
"This is bullshit." Ronnie stood abruptly. "C'mon, GG."
She grabbed my hand, and without any protest I stood. We walked out. Ronnie was cussing up a storm as she practically dragged me out the station.
As we headed to my car…I saw it.
Purple wrapped in gold cellophane.
Roses.
My steps halted.
So did Ronnie's.
"No. There's no fucking way." I let go of her hand stalking towards my car with Ronnie right behind me. Snatching the roses off the car I stared at them in horror and disbelief. "There's no fucking way he followed us here."
"What the fuck? Are you deadass?!" Ronnie exclaimed her loud voice drawing attention. "No one saw who dropped these off?!" She looked around bewildered.
My hands started shaking around the bouquet. There was no card. I couldn't stop staring at them though. Purple roses. My favorite flowers. How the fuck did he know that? My stomach dropped so hard it physically hurt. "Oh my God…" I whispered.
"GG…" Ronnie grabbed my arm gently this time. "Get in the car."
But I couldn't move. My eyes scanned the parking lot frantically. Every truck. Every shadow. Every passing face suddenly felt threatening.
He was here.
Or had been.
Watching…
"Gianna?" Mullins voice called from behind us.
