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I took a deep breath. It was going to be a long day. People were outside now, headed to work, walking their dogs, or jogging. Just a few short hours ago, the streets had been empty.
I headed toward the bakery, my throat tightening with each step. I was worried about what I’d find inside. I just hoped that the ovens were okay. I could replace the smaller utensils and tools.
Ellie and my dad stood talking to a couple of officers who remained. I hoped they were done with their investigation. I wanted to erase any trace that this guy had been there.
I wouldn’t let him ruin my business or scare me anymore. I squared my shoulders as I approached my family.
As soon as my dad turned and saw me, he hurried in my direction. His arms came around me, and I was immediately reminded of home. “You’re okay.”
I nodded against his shoulder. “I’m okay.”
His hold tightened. “I was so worried.”
“I’m good.” Then my eyes were stinging, and the tears slipped over. This was my dad. I didn’t have to be strong with him. Not right now.
“We’ll get through this together.” It was the same thing he’d said when he’d talked to me after my mother’s funeral.
“We will.” I stepped back only for Ellie to hug me, too.
“Don’t ever scare me like that again. First Drew and now you.” She clutched her hand to her chest.
“I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault,” Ellie said, gesturing at the store windows behind us.
The front looked okay. But I was assuming he wanted what he hoped was left in my register or kept in the safe.
“The officers said he wasn’t able to get in your safe.”
“I didn’t leave anything in the register.” Not after there’d already been several break-ins at neighboring stores and at Max’s Bar & Grill.
“That’s my girl, but he must have been pissed about that because the cops said he destroyed whatever he could in the back,” Dad said.
“Oh no.” I rushed past them.
No one stopped me, so the officers must have been done with their investigation. I drew to a stop, overcome with dismay. The kitchen was ransacked. Tools and bowls were strewn over the floor. I picked up a metal bowl, my heart in my throat because it was dented.
Thankfully, the ovens were big and sturdy. I didn’t see any damage to them. Maybe he hadn’t realized those were the most valuable things in here. The small things could be fixed.
Dad placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You were lucky. All things considered.”
“I know.” So why did I feel defeated?
It wasn’t just that the bakery had been vandalized. The kitchen was the place I’d felt safest. I had a security system, video cameras, and hired extra employees. It hadn’t been enough. My inner sanctuary had still been violated.
My heart thudded painfully in my chest.
“I know it seems like a lot, but we’ll help you clean up and order new things,” Ellie offered, her voice a balm to my battered soul.
“I appreciate that.” Tired and overwhelmed, I went to the supply closet and grabbed the box of garbage bags. I’d feel better when I could see the floor. When the damaged items were removed. Then I could see what needed to be done.
I returned to the kitchen, grabbing one bag for myself. I picked up one item after another, examining it for damage, debating whether I could salvage it or not. Most things weren’t salvageable.
“Do we know why he did it yet?” I asked Dad.
“Colton mentioned he associated with known drug offenders. They’re investigating his motive. Did he pick a place to rob when he needed easy money, but it got harder as the stores beefed up security?”
“That makes sense.” But why was I a target?
