Page 51 of Melody

“I can’t be here, Al. I can’t do this.”

“But—”

“Denise’ll be here in a little bit and it’s been super slow. I’m sorry.” She rushed to the office, forgetting to grab the little booklet she kept at the bar to hold her tips—but there were just a few loose dollar bills anyway. Right now, her life depended upon her speed.

She pulled her coat off the hook and put it on. Then she pulled the hood up and over her face, tightening it so it wouldn’t be so obvious who she was. Even though it wasn’t freezing out, she wouldn’t look completely out of place—and just in case Tommy was out there somewhere watching, she left out the back door into the alley. But she didn’t go for her car—not yet—because when she got into it, keys in hand, she wasn’t comingback. After walking the length of the block, she started heading down the side street toward Main Street. Because it was bright out from the sun shining on the snow, she put on the sunglasses in the pocket of her coat, hoping it would also give her a bit more protection from detection. As she approached Main, she saw Amato’s, wishing she could evoke the warm memories from that first date with Kyle. Then, of course, she rounded the corner where the art gallery stood, and she kept her head tucked as if protecting herself from the cold—but her eyes were darting behind the sunglasses, looking at all the cars and a couple of pedestrians across the street. But if Tommy were hanging out in a business across the street, she probably wouldn’t see him.

A cop car pulled up in front of Tequilaville and parked. Although they didn’t have their lights or sirens on, she knew they were there to help Al. There was no better time than now to open the door that led to her apartment—but just because she was getting behind that door didn’t mean she was safe. Even after running up the stairs and getting inside her apartment, she knew her life was in peril.

And the only thing that would keep her safe now would be to run.

CHAPTER 19

After locking the door to her apartment, Scarlett took a kitchen chair and wedged it underneath the door handle. She knew it wouldn’t do much, but she had no escape out of here if Tommy showed up. She had to move quickly. That was the only weapon she had.

Still, she grabbed a paring knife out of the kitchen drawer so she at least had something at the ready. She left the lights off and planned to avoid getting too close to the windows in case Tommy was out there, watching for a sign.

Before going to the bedroom, she took the pictures out of the living room, along with her mother’s Bible and her dad’s coin collection. Then she pulled the two suitcases out of her closet. She’d grab her toiletries out of the bathroom first, her stash of cash out of a drawer, and then cram as many clothes as she could in the luggage.

And that would be it.

When she saw the print that Kyle had bought her on their first date, she pulled it from the place she’d hung it on the wall—making her think of him. As much as she’d wanted to explore their relationship further, their time was up.

As if he’d felt her thoughts, her phone began vibrating in her pocket. When she saw that it was Kyle calling, she answered it without even hesitating, turning on the speaker so she could continue packing while talking.

“Hey.”

“Hey. Everything okay?”

The words flowed out without thought as she began placing panties and bras in the open suitcase on her bed. “Yeah.”

“How come you didn’t answer any of my messages?”

Shit. Glancing at the phone, she noticed the little icon indicating she had at least one text message she’d missed. “Uh…I’ve been really busy.”

“Oh.” She understood his brief confused response. Just the night before, she’d told him this time of day at the bar was slow and boring, and he offered to send a few messages to entertain her until he had to go to work.

She’daskedhim to communicate with her.

“Yeah, uh…we had some unexpected company.” The understatement of the year.

“I hope that means more tips.” He was quiet for a bit and then said, “I’m heading into work, so I’ll see you later. Anything you want me to pick up when I come over later?”

Shit!She wouldn’t be there…ever again. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, especially after he’d been the nicest guy she’d ever been with. In fact, she doubted she’d ever find a man like him again. “Uh…about tonight…”

“What?” Kyle’s tone changed, but she couldn’t quite tell what it signaled. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Even to her own ears, the lie was obvious.

“I’m coming over. I’ll be right there.”

“Wait, Kyle. Don’t—” But it was too late. He’d already hung up.

Well, if he arrived before she left, she’d have to quickly explain what was happening, apologize, and let him know how much she’d enjoyed their time together. Otherwise, she’d call him later. So far, her phone didn’t seem compromised, but she didn’t know if Tommy already knew about Kyle—and, if he did, she might have to sever the ties altogether.

She was willing to do it.

Shehadto do it.

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