Page 44 of Hide From Me

I grabbed my equipment, my keys, and reached for my phone. I saw a message from a number that I didn’t know. Probably spam of some kind, so I would deal with that later. I thumbed through to find the address and headed for the door. The sun was too damn bright as I stepped out the door and I shielded my eyes. I heard the bells of the door of the coffee shop next door and wished I’d made more time to get coffee or something helpful.

“Rylee dear.”

I blinked at the old lady’s voice and turned to see her step into the blinding light like an angel with coffee.

“Yes, Mrs…” I said, realizing I didn’t know her name.

“Winnie, dear, call me Winnie. Or Gran, like my boys do. Here.”

I looked at the cup in her hand.

“What is it?”

She laughed.

“Oh, sweetheart, it’s my strongest espresso in a latte. I saw you last night, coming home. I think you could use a cup of coffee.”

I looked at the coffee and wanted to just say thanks, but something seemed off.

“You saw me come home?”

She shrugged. “I don’t sleep much, sweetheart, and it’s hard to ignore a very loud drunk girl being carried into the building.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to wake up everyone on the street.”

She shrugged.

“We look out for our own, don’t we? I’d rather know what’s going on than miss someone trying to hurt you.”

I was nodding, but really confused, but I took the coffee.

“Okay. Well, thank you? I don’t know that I’ve ever had anyone looking out for me. Well, not since…”

She smiled and took my other hand.

“I promise you that someone’s always looked out for you, but this world is a complicated, crazy place. Enjoy your day.”

She walked away without another word. My phone beeped again, and I knew I was late.

I pulled up and parked next to a police cruiser. This scene was a little more active than what I was used to. Except it wasn’t inthe building. I followed the police tape and a few of the official uniforms standing next to an alley.

“The body back here?”

They nodded and let me through. Around the corner was one familiar face.

“Nice of you to show up, Klein.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. Just admit you missed me and couldn’t wait for me to show up. Now introduce me to my new model.”

He shook his head.

“If it wasn’t so helpful, I’d point out just how fucking odd you are.”

I smiled.

“Thanks, Detective Fuller. I feel so loved right now.”

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