Page 16 of Drew

With one swift move, he used the sole of his boot to kick in the door. The latch gave way, and the barrier swung open.

It was a cute studio apartment with a small kitchen and living space. Up a few steps was a raised bedroom, separated from the rest of the apartment by a small brick wall. The bathroom was tiny but functional. Off the living room was a patio door leading to what appeared to be the roof. Drew wondered if she had painted out there.

A few boxes sat by the door, piled high with a backpack and a few pieces of luggage.

His fears were confirmed. She was planning to run, but not if he had anything to say about it.

Chapter Six

“You can’t leave!” Zelda wailed dramatically.

Alyssa winced, partly because she didn’t want to leave and partly because of the pain Zelda caused to her poor eardrums. “Sorry. It’s a family emergency.”

Instantly, Zelda’s face transformed from confusion and disappointment to pity. “Oh, dear. All right then.” She patted her on the shoulder. “What can I do to help?”

Her friendly response was one reason Alyssa longed to stay. “Would you be willing to take my paintings? The ones I’ve done in the last month? It’s too much trouble to transport them. Even if you don’t want to sell them if you could hold them until I can get back to take them?”

If Zelda didn’t want to sell them, then Alyssa would just have to find a way to come back. She’d have to figure out how to get into town without drawing Drew’s attention.

“Of course! Based on the showing last night, I’ll have no trouble finding homes for them as well. I can wire you the money. Though I’m sad to hear you won’t be coming back.”

Alyssa sighed. She was sad too, but at least she had one problem solved. She’d have money, a bit of income to hold her over, rather than finding random jobs to help cover her expenses. Straightening her shoulders, she pushed through her next request, even though it pained her to ask. “Also, can you find a buyer for the Blood Moon? Maybe someone from last night is still interested.”

Zelda frowned. “I thought you wanted to keep that one?”

“I’ll need the money more.”

Given her family emergency excuse, Zelda would likely think it was to cover medical bills, but she’d need first and last month’s rent for wherever she settled. Destined for a life on the run, the canvas was too large to store in her car. It was foolish to think she could keep it.

“I understand. Actually, someone is looking at it now. A friend of yours.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He seemed very interested in the artist.”

Dread sent shivers down her spine. Had Drew already found her? Was she too late leaving town?

“He’s here?” She gulped.

“Hoping to see you, I think. He’s been here quite a while now.” She motioned to a staff member. “Why don’t you give me your keys and head on back to see him? Make that sale while we unload your car and see what gems you’ve brought me.”

Trying to keep her hand from trembling, she dropped the keys into Zelda’s hand and watched as she and another woman disappeared through the front door, leaving Alyssa alone with her fate.

With slow steps, she made her way through the gallery to the room with her paintings, but as she peeked through the doorway, she saw a head of dirty blond shaggy hair rather than Drew’s dark, neatly trimmed hair.

Mitch.

Shockingly, disappointment crashed through her.

Had she wanted Drew to catch her?

Trying not to examine that thought too thoroughly, she cleared her throat to notify Mitch that she was there.

When he turned, his smile was bright. Alyssa shot him a polite grin and edged into the room, attempting to avoid getting too close.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding.”

Alyssa bit the inside of her cheek to avoid asking why he was there, but she feared she knew the answer. Aside from the recent months, Mitch seemed to pop up wherever she was. “Yep. You found me. Again.”

“Funny how we keep ending up in the same places, huh?”

“Why do you think that is?” She wondered, hoping he’d fess up to stalking her. She wasn’t in the mood to be kind, and if she were ever going to tell him to get lost, today would be the day. She hadn’t slept last night. Her patience was razor thin, and frankly, she was sick of Mitch dogging her heels.

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