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We lead them upstairs and tell them about what happened the night before, then show them the camera.
The second officer takes some pictures, then walks outside to make a phone call, while the officer stays behind to ask me more questions.
“Do you have any idea who would want to watch you?”
Pondering it momentarily, I realize I’m still coming up blank.
“No. I just moved into this apartment in July, and I’m only ever here, at the YMCA around the corner, or at work. I can’t remember meeting anyone who gave a creepy vibe.”
Andreas interjects, “What about that Shane guy from the restaurant?”
I remember what Holly texted me, then answer, “Shane is in the hospital in a medically induced coma. Something attacked him, and apparently it’s critical. He has some sort of brain damage.”
Andreas’ face colors with shock, and he says, “Holy shit. When was he attacked?”
“Holly didn’t say. She just texted me before we met up for dinner and told me. I don’t have all the details.”
I don’t think I have to worry about Andreas being the one who attacked Shane. Some reactions can be faked, but the way his eyes widen and his mouth drops open is genuine. He couldn’t have known about it.
A few minutes later, the other officer comes back inside and says, “The techs will be here in about twenty minutes. I’m going to have them check the area for any other cameras.”
“Thank you,” I mumble.
Alone again, Andreas and I watch as they walk out of the door. Once the door closes behind them, I turn to face Andreas. “I have my car now. If you want to get out of here while I wait for the techs to get here, you can.”
He looks at me and anger flashes in his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving you here by yourself.”
I close my eyes and think about what a weird predicament I’ve found myself in. Here I am with a man I barely know, standing in my apartment waiting for people to search for hidden cameras because I have a secret admirer.
Is this an episode of a crime drama, or what?
“Fine,” I finally say, “but let’s at least go ask the cops if we need to stick around. If not, can we grab something to eat? I’m starving.”
“Sounds good.”
He follows me out the front door and back down the stairs for hopefully the last time. I never want to come back into this shit-hole apartment.
“Excuse me?” I say to the female officer. “Would it be okay if we got out of here to get something to eat?”
She glances up from the pad of paper she’s writing on. “Yeah, we have your statement and contact information. We’ll call you if we find anything or have questions.”
I exhale a breath I didn’t know I was holding, then thank her and walk toward my car. Andreas follows me and opens my car door, so I climb in.
“Where would you like to eat?” he asks.
Nothing sounds good to my overstimulated brain, so I shift the responsibility of choosing onto him. “Whatever you want is fine.”
“If you can wait until we get back to my house, I’ll make you dinner,” he offers.
I smile and start my car as he backs away toward his own. “That sounds great. I’ll follow you?”
“Sure thing,” he calls and shuts his car door.
I follow him out of the parking lot and toward Carmel. The unease from finding the camera has me feeling tense, and I’m also anxious about being alone with Andreas after what happened in his car earlier.
* * *
“Wow, that was delicious.”
