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“Hey, first off, don’t take that tone with me. And second, if you’re here in a professional capacity, which I assume you are, then act like it. Right here, right now, you’re a cop and I’m the…victim.” The last word clogs up my throat like glue, and I almost don’t get it out.
He walks towards me, stopping right in front of me. If he thinks I’m opening my legs to let him in, pardon the pun, then he’s very much mistaken. That little tic in his eye is back when he realises that I’m not budging.
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I was worried about you, that’s all.”
“Well, I’m fine. And I don’t need you to worry about me.” I cross my feet at the ankle, making sure he sees. I sense I’ve shocked him with my stand-offish attitude, and he’s not at all sure where he stands. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but it’s not necessary. I thought you understood—” I wave a hand between the two of us. “What this was. My bad, maybe I didn’t make it clear enough before we started sleeping together, but I’m not in the market for a relationship. So, if that’s what you were expecting, then I’m sorry but you’re out of luck.”
He takes a step away from me and rubs his hand over his chin.
“I guess I read things wrong.” He begins pacing the floor; up and down, up and down, then stops to face me. And like a switch has been flipped, he’s in detective mode. “Can you tell me what happened, please, Miss Morgan.”
Slightly taken aback by his sudden change, even though it’s what I wanted, I do as he asked.
When I’ve finished explaining what happened, he asks me the usual; did I get a good look at the assailant, what was he wearing etc. I try not to think about how much this conversation reminds me of the last time I was attacked. Instead, I focus on what I can tell him. Responding like a damn robot.
“No, I didn’t see his face.”
“He was wearing dark clothing. Black, I think.”
No, he didn’t say anything to me.”
At the end of it, I feel like I’ve been run through a spin cycle. I have nothing of use. I don’t hold out any hope they’ll find who did this or my stolen belongings. Not that I really care too much about them. There was not much of value above the usual, purse, keys, that sort of thing. All of which can easily be replaced.
I’m not sure what I was expecting once the official part was done, but it certainly wasn’t for him to thank me for my statement, informing me they’ll be in touch and then turning and walking away without another word.
I don’t really have much room to complain. I wanted official, and that’s exactly what I got.
The doctor stops by half an hour later, and although my ribs aren’t broken, I have a slight concussion, which means I’m not allowed to work.
On my way out of the hospital, I stop to report my hospital ID and locker key missing. It’s at this point, I realise I have no money and no house keys.
I don’t really want to have to call Cam but given the only other person who has a key is my mum, and there’s no way I’m calling her, I don’t have a lot of choice. I press call on Cam’s name.
I was expecting Blue,so when Rick pulls up outside, I’m surprised and more than a little relieved it wasn’t Seb.
Rick climbs from the car,coming round to greet me. “Hey. You okay?” he asks, giving me a hug and kissing my good cheek.
“Rick, I’m so sorry for this,” I tell him, pulling back.
“Don’t you dare apologise. You should have called me right away.” He opens the car door for me. “Come on, let’s get you home. Cam said you don’t have a spare house key?”
“No. Well, I do, but it’s at my mum’s. And I really don’t need to see her twice in one day.” He looks at me questioningly. “Trust me, I won’t be going back there in a hurry. Doubt I’d be very welcome anyway. Just drop me off at a hotel or something,” I say with a shrug.
“No chance, Jamie.” He closes the car door before I get a chance to say anymore.
“What does that mean?” I ask as soon as he’s in the car. “I don’t have anywhere else to go, and don’t even think for a second that I’m imposing on Cam and Blue more than I already have.” I glare at him. His eyes remain on the road, but I know he can feel the heat of my stare.
“It means, you’re not going to a hotel—” I go to interrupt, but he continues, “Or Cam’s. You’re coming to stay at mine tonight. And before you start giving me some shit about imposing, shut it.”
I laugh. “Wow. You have me pegged.”
“Yes, I do. And that means I know what’s going through your mind right now.” His eyes flick to me pointedly.
“Okay,” I relent. He’s not wrong about what’s on my mind. Whoever mugged me has my address and house keys, and after last time, there’s no way I want to be home alone tonight.
“That was easier than I thought it’d be.” A smile lighting up his face. “Cam was sure you’d put up more of a fight.”
“Yeah, well stubborn and bull headed don’t equal stupid. I know when I’m beat. Besides, you’re not wrong. But don’t even think about bragging over it because that’s a fight you won’t win.” I find a smile tugging at my lips, and Rick lets out a laugh beside me.
