Page 31 of Every Breath

He plopped on the couch to look at the television. Maybe if he could occupy his mind, he wouldn’t worry so much, but by the time nine o’clock rolled around, he broke down and phoned her. Mason waited impatiently as the phone rang. Maybe she was on her way.

“Hello?”

Immediately he heard the anxiety in her voice. “Brandi? It’s Mason. Is everything okay?”

“Mason? Oh, my God.” To his surprise, she burst into tears.

“What’s happened?” he asked in alarm.

“I…my house. It’s—Oh, God! Mason, I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“But—”

“No buts, you’re obviously upset. Are the children with you?”

“No, I dropped them off at my mom’s, but when I came back, the house was ransacked.”

“Is anyone with you right now?”

“No.”

“Did you call the police?”

“Yes. They came by already and took a statement, but they’re gone now.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in a half an hour.”

“Okay.”

He was pleased that she didn’t argue. “I want you to wait at a neighbor’s house.”

“Yes, but Mason?”

“What?”

“Do you know where I live?”

Damn, he had to stop making these slip-ups. “Yeah, I looked it up the same time I found out where you worked, but why don’t you give it to me again, because I’m going on memory alone.” He waited patiently as she reeled off directions.

“Got it. I will be there in a jiffy. Don’t open the door for anyone until I get there, okay?”

“All right. Mason?”

“Yes, Brandi?”

“Please hurry. I’m scared.”

After hanging up, he ran out to his car and drove to Brandi’s house as though he were in the Indianapolis 500. Several things raced through his mind. Did Brandi come across the intruder? Was the house burglarized?

As soon as he arrived, he rushed out of the car. There was a note on the door that said she was waiting for him at the house across the street. Mason turned to go to her neighbor’s house, when he saw her small figure running across the street. She catapulted into his arms, nearly knocking him over.

‘Mason! I saw your car pull up. Thank God you’re here.”

“It’s okay, sweetie. Tell me what happened.” He cradled her head.

“Look at my house.” She unlocked the door and tugged him inside.

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