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“I…I don’t know. I assume he did. When you honked, I ran. I didn’t keep looking.”
“Shit.”
Bringing my laptop to life, I began weeding through the feed from the store, searching for the moment Kody ran outside. From the angle I had, I couldn’t see who she was referring to. She turned; stayed glued to one place for a few seconds, and then raced to my car. He was just out of frame. I type in different code, pulling up another camera, moving the angle so that I could see his exact movements.
“There! That’s the man I’m talking about.”
She quickly walked over, pointing as I zoomed in and let the feed play. From the view across the street, I could see them both looking at each other. I pulled up, Kody ran…and so did he. Right for her. He dodged a couple, crashing into an elderly man, sending him falling to the ground as we drove off. And running. He was still running, pulling out his phone as I shot through the light and turned.
“He’s not working alone. He’s reporting to someone. The question is who, and why can’t I find him in the system?”
I paused the feed, pulling up the restaurant. My mind was wandering, playing through scenarios. I was so deep in thought, I barely made out the hum of ringing in the background. I looked down, seeing my phone gone from the desk.
“Tiff, hey it’s me.” Kody hit speakerphone as she paced.
“I was just headed to your house.”
“No. No, don’t. I’m not there.”
“You mean you’re out? Oh, you had your appointment. That’s right. How’d it go?”
“Tiff, we need to talk.” She paused, sweeping her eyes over to me.
“What do you mean? Did it go that bad?”
Kody’s eyebrows drew in, but she quickly shook her head. “No, nothing like that. Someone broke into my apartment while I was out. The cops are there now.”
“Broke in? Like a burglar?”
“I don’t think so. There’s nothing missing. They were looking for me. I think…Tiff, can you stay with someone from work for a few days?”
“Me? Where are you? I’m coming to get you.”
“No! Don’t come anywhere near my apartment. I’m safe. I’m.” Her eyes scanned mine, saying so much more than I could even put into words. The emotion, the familiarity…she wanted to trust me. “I’m with a friend. I’ll be taken care of, I promise. I want to make sure you’re taken care of too. Tell me you’ll find someone to stay with for a few days. If they’re looking for me, they’ll go in search of you. You’re all I have. These people are scary, Tiff. I don’t think they liked that I got away. I need you to be careful, okay?”
“Y-yeah. Okay.”
There was true fear in her friend’s voice.
“This is serious. The one who broke in managed to find me a few blocks over. I escaped, but he’s going to be looking for me. Don’t go anywhere alone. Don’t speak to any stranger trying to find me. Trust no one. And try to keep in groups like we did in college.”
“Okay. You’re sure you’re safe?”
Assurance took over Kody’s expression as she glanced around my living room. “I’m not even sure the White House is this secure. No one’s getting me. Not even close.”
“Good. I’ll keep my eyes open. I’ll call this number tonight from Ray’s to check in with you. He’s got four roommates. I’ll be safe there.”
“Perfect. I feel better. I’ll talk to you soon, Tiff. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The line went dead, and Kody took a deep breath, looking exhausted. I finished the transaction for the food, gesturing to the sofa she stood by.
“Why don’t you take a seat. Lunch will be here soon. Do you want something to drink? Soda? Water? I don’t have tea. I know you drink that a lot. I can order some.”
“Soda is fine.”
I headed over, grabbing one from the fridge, suddenly realizing just how bare it was. I wasn’t prepared for any of this. Sure, I liked to tease the thought of her as mine since I bought her, but that was fantasy shit. At least for the meantime while she healed and got used to the idea of me. I never thought she’d come here so soon. Yet…here she was. With me.
