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LUKE
“No leads?”
The poor police officer who had the misfortune of attending to me today shakes his head, eyeing me carefully. I understand why. My irritation and worry are probably stamped on my face.
"Well, what the hell have you guys been doing for a week now, twiddling your thumbs?”
The man sighs as redness spreads across his face. “We’re doing our best, but we can't complete an investigation in a week.”
“Yes, but I at least thought you would’ve something. What about any surveillance footage? Isn’t there any? There are cameras in the streetlight.”
"The person came through a blind spot," he says. “Whoever they were, they were smart, or they knew the layout of the area well."
I curse. So, we’re not dealing with an idiot here. Great.
"And we’re also considering the chance that this could’ve been a random break-in.”
I cock my eyebrow at the man. A random break-in where they destroyed everything, took nothing, and only left a vague threatening note?
"We've talked to Ms. Stone and everyone who knows her. She doesn’t have any enemies, not one."
I run my hand through my hair, even though I know he’s right.
"What about lovers?" I ask. "Exes?"
"She doesn't date," the officer surprised me by saying. "No significant love interests and no obsessive exes either."
Even though I draw unreasonable joy at the fact that she hasn't dated anyone seriously, I'm annoyed by the lack of leads. On my end too. I’ve been following Mia every day to work now, and haven’t seen anyone who remotely fits the profile of a stalker.
This means we still have no clue what happened that day and who broke into her house. Damn. I’m seriously considering hiring a bodyguard for her, but I know she'll turn down the idea, flat. Besides, I don't want the criminal to be on alert. I want this fucker to make a mistake, so I can nab him.
“Look, these things happen,” the detective says ruffling some papers. "Random break-in. Sometimes, kids play pranks just to cause a public disturbance. Sometimes, they get the house wrong. Or maybe it's a robber who intended to steal but didn't get the chance to because you spooked him. But I assure you that the police are doing our very best to solve the case. And we're working as fast as budget allows us."
I blow out a breath, letting out my frustration. It won't do any good to take it out on them. It's not like they're intentionally withholding information.
“Alright officer,” I say, and stand, holding out a hand. “Thanks for your help anyway.”
He nods and shakes my hand. “And if you need anything else Mr. Hardy just let us know."
“Alright. Thanks.”
I head out, unsatisfied and vaguely anxious. I check my watch on the way out. Mia should be at work now, so I decide to drive over there. My phone dings on the way, and as the car slows at a traffic light, I check my message. Then smile.
At least, I get some good news today.
I’m even more eager to see Mia now, and tell her all about it, which is a thought that should make me pause. I shouldn’t be thinking of Mia as someone I should share important news with. She’s a friend and that’s all she can be, not only because of Liam but because I know that at best, she's attracted to me. I still feel like I might be a placeholder for her military man, who’s due to come back soon.
And when he does, I’m sure I’ll be out of the picture.
That was a fact I accepted weeks ago. But today, for some reason, the thought makes my hands tighten on the wheel of my car, and has anger spiraling through me.
I drive into the Kreamy's lot, noting that there are more cars here than usual. For the past week, she's been taking my advice and increasing her online advertising. Apparently, it's working, because there's a line when I walk in.
Both Mia and her assistant are happily serving the customers. I hesitate by the door and take a few moments to drink in Mia's smile. It’s so beautiful, and warm, and makes me feel like I’m floating in a cloud.
I cut the dangerous thought short.
Fuck I shouldn’t be thinking like that. It’s okay for me to desire her, and want to fuck her, but I can't be thinking such sappy romantic nonsense about her. I’m not the kind of guy who does romance and even if I were, it wouldn’t be with her.
