Page 60 of Make No Mistake

I settled in and could practically hear my body sigh with relief. The past few weeks had been stressful to say the least. Taking time for myself wasn’t an option when the paper needed me, or Aubrey or Jay. But this was definitely something that I needed to do more often.

It was almost perfect. Until I realized I’d left my phone on the counter just out of reach. Music would have made this perfect, but I’d have to find peace in the silence.

The water was almost cold when I looked up from my book. I could have sworn I’d heard something. Sitting perfectly still, I waited.

There!

Someone was here. I could hear the footsteps in the living room.

“Aubrey?” I called out and prayed she would respond. Silence was all that followed.

The footsteps had stopped until suddenly they were right in front of the door. Someone was inside my bedroom.

I watched the shadow under the crack of the door shift from one side to the other before it disappeared.

My heart was threatening to rip out of my chest.

I set my book on the ground, trying not to make any sound. I pulled the towel around me and tiptoed to the door. There was silence on the other side. One-two-three.

I swung the door open but there was nothing, no one on the other side. My bedroom was clear, so was the living room. Moving forward I glanced into the kitchen. Nothing. Aubrey’s bedroom door was open, so I scanned it, but there wasn’t anyone.

I’d definitely heard someone. I saw their shadow!

In and out. In and out.

I couldn’t remember the last time I had to remind myself to breathe, but panic was taking over.

My phone. I needed to call someone.

I hurried back to the bathroom and picked up my phone to call Jay.

“Hi, Mac.”

“Someone’s been here.”

His voice changed from light and friendly to authoritative. “Where are you?”

“My apartment. I was in the bath, alone.”

He interrupted me. “Where’s Aubrey?”

“Rehearsals.”

“You’re sure she didn’t come home?”

“Hold on.” I sent her a quick text and prayed he was right. “I just asked her.”

“I’m on my way over.”

“Okay.”

He hung up and I realized I was still in a towel, so I quickly slipped into a T-shirt and sweats just in time to answer the door when he knocked.

“Are you okay?” He pulled me into his arms before I could answer. One hand was spread on my back while the other held my head to his chest.

Being held made me realize I was trembling. I wanted to blame being cold, but I didn’t even believe that so I knew he wouldn’t.

“Just a little freaked out.”