Page 83 of Durango

She frowns. “Well, yes.”

“How did anyone know your apartment was broken into? Who called the cops? This could be a trap.”

Her hands go to my shoulders. “No, it’s not. My neighbor saw my door wide open, and she knew we left town for a few days. She called the police. She’s the one who gave them my number as well.”

“If someone broke in, it’s likely Tyler.”

She nods. “And that’s why you’re staying here. I’ll go talk with the police, and then I’ll be back after that.”

While I don’t like it, Samantha is stubborn, and once she makes up her mind, she is going to do it.

“Fine, but can you call me when you get there and before you leave?”

She smiles. “Yes, Mom.”

“What’s going on?” Reed asks.

Unlike Axel and CT, he went home last night but was here again this morning. And has stayed while the other guys went off to save Durango.

“Someone broke into my apartment. The police have some questions for me. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Wait,” Reed says. “This could be a trap.”

I do like Reed. “That’s what I said,” I say.

“I’ll be careful,” Samantha says as she walks to the door.

“If this is a trap, it’s likely Tyler will follow you back here to get to Willow,” Reed says.

“I’ll make sure no one is following me.”

Reed shakes his head. “I don’t like that. When you return, don’t come here. Go to this address.” He grabs a piece of paper and a pen. “It’s my office. I’ll get you from there to here. And ifyou are returning after five, call me at this number.” He hands her the paper with all the information on it.

“I will. And you,” she turns to me, “take care of yourself.”

Once she’s gone, Reed takes up his position at the kitchen table. I grab my laptop and go to the living room to try to get some work done.

Three hours later, I’m deep in concentration when Reed clears his throat. I glance up.

“Samantha is at the office. I had hoped the guys would be back by now.” He wants to check on them.

“I’ll be fine. When you leave, I’ll lock the door behind you.”

He nods. “It’s a short walk. I just want to make sure no one is following us, so it might take a little longer than it usually does for Durango.”

I simply smile and nod.

After he leaves, I close my laptop, no longer able to concentrate. I check my phone and discover I missed several texts from Samantha.

Samantha:Made it to the apartment.

Samantha:Back in Brooklyn.

Samantha:Reed’s here. We are walking back now.

She didn’t mention the condition of the apartment. Of course, she didn’t. She was only keeping me apprised of where she was.

I wish Durango was doing the same right now. He didn’t tell me where he was going. He could be chasing those guys down. Or in the hospital. No, I can’t go there. He sounded good. He’s fine.

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