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Riker grabs him by back of his hoodie, swinging him to the ground.
“Spiegel,” I choke out. Knowing there’s a good chance she’s already woken the neighbors. “Spiegel, inside.”
She whimpers in Riker’s direction, then runs up the yard and into the house. I brace myself against the railing of the porch, feeling as if a bolt of electricity just pierced my chest.
After checking the man’s pockets, Riker pulls him to his feet, holding on to the back of the hoodie as he forces the man back toward the porch. Halfway across, the hood falls from his head, and I realize he’s barely in his twenties. If that.
“Have a seat,” Riker says, pushing him down on the stairs.
Riker gives me a pointed look, and I glance down, remembering I’m still in my skimpy pajama and robe. I duck inside and take Spiegel to the bedroom with me. I sit on the edge of my bed, waiting for the icy sensation around my throat to thaw. Each time I struggle to inhale through it, I remember the sensation of the fabric over my face and the cord around my neck.
Pull it together.
Riker’s alone.
I collapse forward, take one deep breath, and climb to my feet.
Once I’ve changed my clothes, I grab a shirt for Riker, and tell Spiegel to stay while I dial the police. Instinct and habit take over as I relay the details to the dispatcher—it’s the only way I can keep my voice steady.
As I cross the threshold into the kitchen, someone pounds on the front door.
For fuck’s sake.
I press my palms to my temples and march toward the front door where Emily, my neighbor, waits on the porch. She must’ve heard Spiegel.
“I’m so sorry.” I say.
“Everything all right? She never barks at night so...” her gaze drifts around.
“Yeah,” I debate over how much to tell her, but the cruisers arriving soon will be quite telling. “Someone tried to get in the back, and I’m really sorry but I have to take care of stuff.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, okay...”
I feel bad closing the door in her face, but I rush to the back porch.
Riker shakes his head, rubbing his hand over his beard. I hold up the T-shirt, and he reaches over the boy’s head to grab it.
“You’re gonna love this,” he says dryly. “Tell her.”
“Look, I don’t—” The kid looks up at me. “Someone paid me to quietly break in the back and move some shit around. That’s it. He said it was a-a joke, and the dog would be in the bedroom.”
“A joke?” I choke over the words. My fists clench at my sides, and I stalk away. “I should have decked him.”
“Wait, wait, lady—”
“She’s not talking about you,” Riker snaps.
“Libby?” I hear Trent’s voice from the front of the house.
Of course they called him.
“Out back.”
He comes through the house, badge displayed on his belt. “I knocked but…” His eyes widen as he looks around.
“Riker, intruder.” I gesture toward each man in turn. “Detective Trent Davis, have at it.”
“Sure thing, boss. Patrol should be here soon.”
