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I jump back, hitting my body against the door. “Ma’am, are you okay?” The man in a suit gives me a once-over with apprehension, reaching out to steady me.
I nod and get my balance, moving away from his grip. “Yes, I’m fine. You just startled me. Why? What’s going on? The sirens woke me up.”
“I’m Detective Sable. There was a break-in last night, and I’m afraid Mr. Johnson was killed,” says the other officer.
“What?” I gasp, pressing my hand to my chest, grateful that I’m already leaning against the door because I feel like my knees are about to buckle. Although I don’t like the man, I’m still freaked out that he’s dead. “What time?”
“We can’t say, Miss. Did you hear any noises?” he asks.
“Well that doesn’t help. I heard your sirens wake me up right now.”
“We meant last night. Did you hear any noises last night.”
I clamp my mouth shut and shake my head. “No, um…no,” I answer, trying to think of anything odd when I came home, but I hadn’t noticed anything.
“You don’t have to be afraid to say anything.”
“Sir, I just don’t have much to say since you won’t give me a time for the incident, and well, I work until three in the morning. I get home around four thirty, depending on if I have to stay later on my shift or not.”
“What about the other people that live with you?”
“The only one who was home last night was my roommate January but she was sleeping until at least three, and then had to leave for work very early this morning.”
“How many people live here?” He looked down at his pad to make notes while asking questions.
“Just my roommate, my sister and myself.”
“Where is your sister?”
“My sister works onsite at her job during the week, staying there because of the distance.”
“So did you notice anything when you returned home?”
“When I got home, I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but then again, I try to come in quickly and quietly given the hour.”
“We’re going to need all of your names and numbers.”
“Okay.” I give them all of our information and then ask about the details as they both take notes. The best they can tell me is that it probably happened while I wasn’t there, and they ask if I was aware of Johnson’s acquaintances that may have stopped by. I hadn’t seen any of his visitors because I didn’t socialize with Johnson.
“Can we contact you if we have any more questions?”
“Yes, but I work evenings and sleep during the morning hours.”
“Okay. Thank you, Ms. Beaman.” They leave me and I step inside, locking the door behind me, leaning my back against the wood. My mind runs wild with questions and fear.
What the hell does it mean that he was killed? Who would kill him, and was it personal or a robbery gone wrong? He lived on the first floor, so his apartment is the most accessible, but once they were inside, what difference would it make coming up another flight?
I try not to think about it and consider it to be personal. Knowing him the way that I do, the fact that he had enemies is more likely.
My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I forgot to eat since yesterday morning, so I make some food and decide to call my sister because it’s about time for her to be heading back to the apartment today.
She answers after a couple of rings. “Hey, are you on your way home already?”
“Actually…I’m not coming home.”
“What do you mean you’re not coming home today?”
“I have to work over the weekend. They’re having a party tomorrow and they need my help cleaning up.” I think about the break-in, and it’s probably for the best that she stays away.
“Fine. I actually have to work today as well, so it works out. Are you sure you’re safe there, though?”
“Of course I am. You worry too much.”
“Just be careful, and I’ll see you soon. I really miss you.”
“I miss you too.” We talked for a few more minutes before I needed to get ready for work. Maybe I should call my boss and tell him I can’t make it, but then again, I’d be here all alone. Man, I need some good friends that I can rely on.
Just as I think that, January messages me. Almost there. He’s been on his best behavior, surprisingly. Miss you.
Good. I miss you too. Shank, if need be, I reply.
It’s still early, so I chill on the sofa and watch some television but my mind goes back to last night and what happened at the restaurant. What if he comes back again? What if Greg wasn’t too far off and the mystery man who kissed me is married? I can’t think about him. I won’t think about him because it’s foolish.
