Page 10 of Dirty Deceit

Building admin: We'll go check on the apartment, then report it to the police

From what the building admin reported, someone was in my apartment, and it seems they took all my valuables. It's so frustrating being so far away right now. Tears start to come out of my eyes, and it's all I can do to not fall apart. I really do not need this right now. Murphy comes out of the bathroom and finds me in that state.

"Darling, what's wrong?"

"There's been a break-in into my apartment back in New York. I don't know how bad it is yet." Murphy hands me a tissue, and I wipe my tears with it. I hate for him seeing me this way, but I'm not good at hiding my feelings. I have one of those faces where others can tell everything that is going through my mind.

"What flight are you on for New York?"

I text him a screenshot of my reservation and try to get control of myself. I can't really do anything until I get back to New York, but I can control how I feel and react right now.

"It's done."

"What's done?"

"I'm on your same flight back to New York."

"What? But don't you have more work here to do before you leave?"

"The most important part was done last night, and I don't want you to travel alone." He sits beside me and puts his arm around me, making me feel safe and secure.

"Thank you, Murphy. I want to act like I'm an independent gal, but it would really help me to have you there with me. These next hours are going to be tough because I feel helpless."

"Are the people in your building going to call the police to report it?"

"Yes."

"Well, there's nothing more you can do. They have to do their work, and you can give them a statement later if you need to."

"Right, I know that. It's just that this is the worst possible time for this to happen."

"I'd say there's no right time for that."

I press my lips into a tight line, stress filling my body. I'm mentally adding up everything of value that I have in the apartment. My computer is the most important one because I need it for work. My new tablet, which I didn't bring because it would be safer at home, is likely gone as well. I get up and look Murphy in the eye.

"I need to finish packing, and you do too."

"Yes, we'll meet up in half an hour in the lobby, okay?"

"Perfect."

He kisses me softly on the lips, and I give him a big hug. It means the world to me that he's flying back with me. My go-to person is Alice, and she was having some issues yesterday. My first instinct is to text her, but I need more information before dropping this bomb on the besties group. They'll probably all want to help, but I need a strong, firm presence like Murphy's to get through this.

I scramble to finish packing and make it to the lobby in record time. Murphy has already called for a cab to get us to the airport, and I'm relieved that there is one less thing for me to do right now. He holds my hand through the cab ride and pays for us. His calm demeanor makes me feel relaxed as well, and for the moment, I'm looking forward to spending the next few hours next to him, talking and sharing stories.

Murphy manages to get us seated next to one another in first class. I just watched openmouthed as he charmed the pants off the airline representative. We're waiting for the plane to take off, and he squeezes my shoulder.

"Nothing to do but sit back and relax, Gemma. We'll deal with everything when we step foot into your building."

I nod in acknowledgment and sit back. Closing my eyes, I try to do a little meditation to get myself to relax. That doesn't help until he puts his hand on top of mine. Then, I'm able to let go. And I'm thankful that he's in my life.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but why did you say it was the worst time for this to happen?"

Making a decision, I let it all out. "I'm having some financial trouble, and tools like my computer and other electronics will not be easy to replace immediately."

"I can help you out."

"Absolutely not. Don't even mention it again, Murphy." I give him a stern look that I hope gets my point across.

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