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“Sure,” she said, stepping back and allowing them to step inside. “You got here so fast.”
The shorter officer nodded. “We were parked on the next street over takin’ our lunch.”
“I’m sorry I interrupted.”
“Nonsense. Can’t be too careful.”
Both men clocked Aiden right away; he remained near the bathroom door.
He wore the casual medium-wash jeans and white T-shirt from yesterday. The taller officer straightened and puffed up upon seeing Aiden, and she resisted the urge to laugh at how comical it looked. The officer had to be twice Aiden’s age and stood eye-to-eye, but Aiden held a clear physical advantage. The way his tight T-shirt stretched across his broad chest and shoulders made it obvious.
They had nothing to worry about. Aiden was harmless, and his size didn’t make him dangerous. She didn’t even know if he could fight.
“And you are?” the taller officer who had squared up upon seeing Aiden asked.
“Aiden Easton, sir. The friend.”
The officer made a soft sound of derision at the respectful honorific. She wondered if it made him feel old.
Some of the middle-aged patrons at the diner responded the same when she called them ma’am or sir. Her fourth-grade teacher had always said, “Classy Southern ladies show respect, no matter the situation.” Honorifics showed respect. Charlotte learned early on that it was wiser to err on the side of caution than risk ruffling a few feathers—especially when tips were involved.
The officers moved into the apartment, checking behind the laundry door, and in the bathroom once Aiden stepped away. They also checked in the area where her bed remained an unmade mess. Once satisfied, they returned to her.
“It was good of you to call in when you didn’t know who was here,” the shorter officer said, giving Aiden a side glance, returning his gaze to her. His eyes were kind as he smiled down at her. “Never think you’re troublin’ us. You got nothin’ to be sorry for. You can never be too sure nowadays.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for coming out. Again, I’m sorry.”
“If you need any further assistance, just give us a call,” the taller officer said, letting himself out.
“Y’all have a good day now.” The shorter officer smiled again before following his partner out.
She shut the door behind them and exhaled, slumping against the door.
“What in the—”
“Hold that thought,” she said, pushing off the door and throwing up a hand to stop whatever Aiden had been about to say. She rushed across the room toward the bathroom. “How I didn’t pee on myself through all that is beyond me.” She slammed the door behind her.
Once she finished emptying her bladder, she went to the sink to wash her hands, groaning at the sight that greeted her in the mirror.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her curly hair appeared wild and untamed. She looked like she’d stuck her finger in a light socket.
Digging around under the sink, she pulled out a spray bottle of water and her leave-in conditioner. She wasn’t going to shower again, but she could tame the rat’s nest on her head before she faced Aiden again.
Correction.
Before she murdered him.
Once satisfied, she swept her hair over her shoulder and marched out of the bathroom like a soldier heading to war.
“I can’t believe the police showed up.”
She arched a brow. “No? Because of course they’re gonna show up if I’m calling for help because I think someone is breaking into my home.” She propped her hands on her hips and gave him a withering look. At least he had the good sense to look somewhat guilty. “I thought you were gone,” she said with a sigh.
“Why?”
She stomped over to the nightstand and snatched up the note, thrusting it forward. His brows pinched as he took it from her hand.
“I said I’d see you soon.”
