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Hailey’s nose scrunched. “During the day? I don’t think so. This kind of stuff usually happens at night.”
“I need to clean this up.” Why was this person targeting me? Yeah, whoever it was had been to Hailey’s store and maybe even Max’s, but it was twice now that someone had been at my store.
“I called the police. You should file a report first.”
I needed to do something. I couldn’t just sit here and stare at the graffiti. I moved inside, grabbing a bucket and sponges from the back, and filled it with water and soap.
Feeling drained and suddenly exhausted, I rested a hip against the industrial sink in the back.
“You okay?” A hand landed on my back
Recognizing Colton’s soothing voice, I moved so my forehead rested on his chest. Soaking in his comforting presence, I wrapped my arms around him, sinking into his embrace.
I nodded against his chest, and his arms tightened around me.
“We’ll find out who did this.”
In the grand scheme of things, this wasn’t a big deal. There were more important cases, but I liked that Colton was so adamant about solving it.
It made me feel cared for and protected. All things that I craved after not having it for so long in my childhood.
I looked up at him. “Are they targeting me?”
He rubbed his thumb over my cheek. “I hope not.”
The unspoken words were It sure looks like it. I barely suppressed the shiver that ran down my spine.
“You need to fill out an official report.”
I pulled my head back to see his face. “Is it a waste of your time? Will anyone even investigate?”
His expression was pensive. “On its own, probably not, but there’s been a string of disturbances the chief thinks are related.”
That didn’t make me feel any better.
“Come on.”
I let him lead me back to the front where another officer was waiting with questions. I appreciated that Colton didn’t ask them. I didn’t want to hurt the investigation if someone found out we were involved.
When Dexter, Colton’s partner, finished his questions, I went to grab the bucket and sponges. Kayla could manage the front counter while I got rid of the paint.
When Colton saw what I was doing, he grabbed the bucket from me and followed me outside.
I wished he’d go because something about the property damage left me feeling vulnerable and unsettled. Tears lurked just beneath the surface.
I knew I should do something that made me feel better, but I had to clean this first.
Colton set the bucket on the sidewalk. “Why don’t you do this later?”
“And let everyone see this? It’s not good for business.” My shoulders were tight, a headache pulsing at the base of my skull.
I grabbed a sponge, ringing the excess water out before swiping it over the paint.
Colton grabbed a second sponge. “Let me help then.”
“Don’t you have to work?” I asked, keeping my gaze on the window.
I wanted him to leave so I could break down.
