Page 45 of Spiritwarrior

“She won’t,” the sheriff assured her. “If so much as a leaf blows in here, I’ll lock her up. If she comes within fifty feet of you, I’ll lock her up. She’s also going to pay you for the damage she’s done to your property.”

“None of my things cost very much. I mainly bought from thrift stores.”

“You’ll be reimbursed.” The sheriff glanced around. “Anything salvageable?”

“No.”

“Then let’s go. Jacob and I can take care of this while you’re working,” Jody told her.

“No. I’ll come in the morning and bring some trash bags.”

“There’s another option,” Jody suggested. “If you don’t want Jacob and me taking care of it for you, hire a cleaning company, and Baylin can pay for it.”

That suggestion, she could go for.

“I’ll do that.”

They locked up the apartment and went down the elevator. It was only when they reached the door that Sophie thought to ask a question.

“How did she get inside? I know I locked the door.”

“The maintenance man let her in,” the sheriff answered. “I’m going to make sure Alan gets his share of community service, too. Baylin told him that you called and asked her to check to make sure you had turned the stove off.”

“Alan and Baylin used to date. I’m sure it didn’t take much for her to convince him to open the door.”

“Has she ever acted this way over other men she’s dated?”

“As far as I know, I’m the only one who’s had to deal with this psychotic side of her.”

The sheriff told them that he would be in touch when Baylin paid for the damages, leaving when he got a call over his radio.

Jody looked at her worriedly. “Do you feel up to going to the diner?”

“Yes, I need to keep my mind occupied. Thank you for coming with me. I didn’t expect for it to be that bad.”

“Glad to help.” He walked with her to her car.

She pressed the unlock button and got inside.

“I’ll see you at the restaurant.”

“You don’t have to come. I can handle it until Logan comes in. I don’t expect any more customers than I had yesterday,” she said glumly, starting the car.

“You should be more positive,” he chastised her.

“Okay … I’m positive today is going to suck as badly as yesterday.”

Chapter Nineteen

When Sophie opened the diner door, she came to a full stop. Was she imagining that she had not one but eleven customers?

“Looks like business is picking up,” Jody commented by her side.

Ginny was taking an order at one table while Logan was behind the counter, making drinks.

Upon seeing her, Ginny excused herself from the customers. “You had four waiting at the door when I opened.” She nodded her head at the customers whose orders she had just taken. “They ordered pancakes and sausages. Tell Logan to get them coffee then come out back, and I’ll teach you how to make pancakes.”

Blinking tears back, she reached out to hug Ginny. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

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