Page 63 of Undeniably Perfect

“Oh, thank god.” I open the door and pull Lanie inside, locking it behind us.

“What in the actual fuck is going on right now?” she asks, staring at me like I’m some sort of wild animal that’s gone rabid.

I lean against the bathroom wall, not caring if it’s dirty.

“My ex’s brother texted me during the game. He said he had the ins on the unit I had originally wanted in the building, but I needed to meet him today. So, C-Dog said I could get in and out through a special passage in the complex. I got a ride over here and when I arrived, I had a funny feeling. Anyhow, fast-forward, I ended up talking with my ex, Eric. Turns out his brother, Jarrod, has been MIA for a while and has gone off the deep end. Eric has called the police. I managed to tell Jarrod I needed to get my grandmother’s script before we looked at it. But that was like three minutes ago. He’s probably going to come over here soon.”

Lanie pulls out her phone. I watch as she texts the infamous family group chat.

Lanie: I have the eagle. She’s safe. However, her ex’s brother is a threat. I repeat…we have a Defcon one situation on our hands. Do not go in the building!!! We are in the pharmacy bathroom across the street.

Di: Got it. Redirecting now.

Kylie: I’m still five minutes out.

C-Dog: Oh, is that the weird guy pacing in the lobby of the building.

Lanie: Clark – get your ass over to the pharmacy NOW!

C-Dog: Copy that, Mother Hen

Mothership: Oh no! I’ve called the police. They said they are already responding to a call.

Dad: Kids, stay put. I’m leaving work.

Lanie: Dad, it’s under control.

Lanie: Kylie – just stay put.

Kylie: Too late – parking a few blocks away now

Di: Where’s the bathroom?

There’s another knock on the door.

“You want me fluff your pillows?” Clark’s voice says through the door.

Lanie throws open the door and pulls Clark inside just as Di runs up behind him and pushes inside too.

“Uh, why are we all hiding in a bathroom?” Clark asks as he looks around. “Wow, the girls’ room is so much nicer than the guys’ bathroom.”

Di slaps Clark on the back of the head. “Don’t be a dick. This is serious.”

Di’s phone rings, and we all jump.

“Stand down, people, It’s just Kyles. What’s up?” she answers as she puts it on speaker.

“Cops are here, and they are talking to some sketchy dude out front that looks like he hasn’t showered in about a week.”

“That’d be Jarrod,” I whisper.

“Why are you whispering?” Kylie asks.

“Can we all leave the bathroom now?” Clark questions us as he reaches for the door. Lanie slaps his hand.

“Kyles? Is it safe?”

“Yes, they are putting him in the cop car now.”

---