Page 82 of Closer

Chen jots down notes in a small flip pad, his pen scratching against the paper.

Torres peers over his shoulder, squinting. “Is that… are you writing in hieroglyphics?”

“It’s called cursive, you uncultured sw—kid,” Chen says.

Torres snorts. “Cursive? More like—” Chen’s sharp look cuts him off, and he snaps his mouth shut, his face turning as red as his hair.

A small smile tugs at my lips. They’ve probably known each other for a long time.

Chen turns back to me, his expression softening. “I apologize for my partner, Ms. Edmunds. Did they try to enter?”

“One of them stopped outside and tried to get in, but after he noticed it was locked, he didn’t try it again.” I shudder at the memory, and Sebastian pulls me closer.

“What did you do next?”

“Then I called my friend Gemma, but the connection was bad, and my phone died mid-call,” I say.

“And then?” Chen asks.

“After a while, I heard sirens in the distance. The intruders must have heard them too because suddenly there was a lot of commotion and then silence.”

Officer Torres looks around. “It seems like a standard break-in, Ms. Edmunds. They were likely looking for valuables. Since they didn’t attempt to enter the bathroom, it doesn’t appear to be a targeted attack. We’ll investigate further, but it’s probably an isolated incident.”

Relief floods through me, but it’s tinged with unease. The idea of strangers violating our space, pawing through my things… it makes my skin crawl.

Chen turns to Sebastian. “And how did you come to be here, Mr. Barron?”

Sebastian’s thumb rubs soothing circles on my hip. “I was in the area when my sister called. She’d gotten Lil’s call and phoned the police, then me. By the time I arrived, the intruders were gone.”

“Ms. Edmunds, did you see or hear anything else? Any other details?”

I shake my head.

“Great, if there’s nothing else.” Torres takes off his gloves. “We should probably head out. Chen’s got an early bird special to catch.”

“One of these days, Torres, one of these days…” Chen says.

“You’ll what? Finally retire?” Torres asks.

“Not a chance, kid. Someone’s got to keep you in line.” Chen bows his head to us. “You have to excuse my partner. We’ll be in touch if we have any further questions. In the meantime, try to get some rest. And don’t hesitate to call if you remember anything else, Ms. Edmunds.”

“Yes,” I say. “Thank you, officers.”

“Do you have somewhere safe to stay tonight? With family or friends, perhaps?” Torres asks.

“Yes, my place,” Sebastian says.

“I couldn’t possibly—”

“It wasn’t a question, princess.” His voice is clear.

No room for argument. And honestly? I don’t want to be alone tonight. I want to feel secure, protected.

I need Sebastian.

“Okay,” I whisper. “Thank you.”

His hand rubs soothing circles on my back.

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