Page 31 of Fish out of Water
“Penelope is a fish.” Grant’s hand pressed on my back a little more, urging me toward the open door. “Let’s get outside so they can do their job.”
I took long steps, doing my best not to trample anything.
Thank God I put on sneakers. This would have probably blown out another flip flop. At the very least I would have ended up with fish tank gravel between my toes. The stuff was everywhere, splashed out of Penelope’s tank like someone dunked out the contents with a bucket.
“What a mess.” Mrs. Sherling stood with Mrs. Hill just outside the door, looking in as Grant and I made our way outside. “Who would have done something like this?”
“I’m sure it was just a random thing.” Grant kept up the pressure on my spine, moving me past the spot where a small group of my neighbors stood, watching the police work.
Once we were a few yards away I glanced around, making sure no one could hear us. “Where was the money?”
He shook his head. “Not here.”
I turned to face him as he slowed. “That’s what they’re after, isn’t it?”
It had to be. Maybe that’s why Mr. Frazier left. He had all that money and someone found out and he was worried they would do exactly what they’d done today.
It’s why he was so adamant that I go check his mailbox first thing in the morning. Before the mail actually ran.
I assumed he just hadn’t had time to grab it and didn’t want them to skip him because his box was already full.
Which it was. Just not with mail.
“I don’t know exactly what they’re after.” Grant’s eyes moved around, looking across the parking lot and the cop cars lining the space in front of his uncle’s apartment. “But they’re not going to get it from me.”
“Julia, dear.” Mrs. Sherling came our way. “I didn’t know you were there when it happened.” She grabbed my arms, eyes full of concern as they landed on mine. “Are you okay?”
I smiled. This was one of the reasons I loved living here. My neighbors genuinely cared about me. Worried about me like it was their job. “I’m fine.”
“What in the world were you doing at Mr. Frazier’s apartment?” Her gaze slicked to Grant before coming back to me.
“I was feeding the fish.”
She gave me a slow nod, eyes widening just a little. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”
“I—”
Mrs. Hill pushed in at Mrs. Sherling’s side, cutting me off. “Did you see the men who did this?”
I shook my head. “I was hiding.”
In a broom closet.
With a naked Grant Servantes.
“That’s unfortunate.” Mrs. Hill rested one hand on her chest. “I’m so glad I installed those alarms on all my doors and windows. If anyone comes into my apartment everyone will know.”
I didn’t have the heart to point out thatshemight not even know considering the issues she frequently had with her hearing aids.
“You ladies should be extra careful until they catch whoever did this.” Grant’s voice was a little smoother as he turned his attention to the women. “I’d hate for either of you to end up in the middle of something like this.”
The women nodded along with him.
Mrs. Sherling reached into her pocket and pulled her keys free, separating out a small plastic device dangling from the ring. “I carry this.” She pulled on either end, separating it into two pieces. A piercing wail screamed instantly, sending my hands to my ears.
She pressed the halves back together and the sound stopped.
“Holy shit, Sharon.” Mrs. Hill leaned closer. “I need one of those.”
