Page 79 of Peep

I drop back onto the seat with a thunk and cross my arms.

“Where were you on the evening of September twenty-sixth and October twelfth?”

“I don’t know, working or at home.” I give a nonchalant shrug. “I don’t get out much. Being a doctor is pretty demanding.” I shuffle in my seat, straightening my back to display an ounce of courage.

The detective looks down at his notes. “You weren’t working, we’ve checked.” Raising his head again, he asks, “So you were at home?”

“Sure,” I say.

“Home alone?”

I hesitate for a moment, debating if I want to involve Anders. He said to trust him, though. “I was with my boyfriend.”

His eyes pinch together, suspicion radiates off him. “What’s your boyfriend’s name, and where can we find him?”

Shit.

“His name is Anders Erikson. You’ll find him at Emeralds Apartments.”

Mike hums, tapping his pen on the small pad. “Ah, that’s where you live, right? Do you live together?”

“Basically, he’s with me most nights. He works there.”

If we somehow manage to get out of this mess, that’s what I want. Anders in my home, taking up my space and with me always.

The detective’s eyebrows furrow as he strokes his beard. Several moments of insufferable silence have me holding my breath.

“Ok, well, I’ll contact him shortly. Let’s hope your stories match up.”

“Am I free to go?”

His fierce stare is like a flame thrower, blistering my skin. “Of course.” He steps aside and puts out a hand, presenting the exit.

I climb to my feet on shaky limbs and dodge past him, only to be halted by the officers at the door. One looks me up and down like I’m covered in piss and shit.

“Oh, Mr Walker.”

I refuse to turn around and face him, already knowing I don’t want to hear what he has to say. “I hope you don’t mind; my colleagues are going to hang around for the rest of your shift. Just in case anyone else comes in to report anything.”

Great.I have babysitters while they try to collaborate our stories. How the fuck am I going to call and warn Anders now.

I huff in annoyance, pushing past the officers at the door and heading straight for the front desk. Once I get there, I release a pent-up breath and dig in my trouser pocket for the note. I unravel the wrinkled paper, looking over my shoulder to see the officers and detectives speaking in hushed voices by the main doors.

I don’t do romance or love notes, and I certainly don’t go out of my way to drop off lunch to my boyfriend. Well…I didn’t before you. Part of me resents you for what you’ve made me become. I’m needy, sensitive and crazy in love. You consume every single one of my thoughts, even when we’re apart. God, I wanted to not like you, but that wasn’t an option; we were written in the stars. I love you, Jay, and if you let me, I’ll keep loving you until we’re old, grey, and have wrinkly balls lol.

P.S. You better burn this note after you’ve read it.

Love, Anders xo

I chuckle at his sweet and slightly chaotic words. I could never burn it—I’m framing the thing.

Chapter 32

Anders

Icall Jahmar for what feels like the hundredth time. Anxiety clutches at my chest as another call goes unanswered. He told me that sometimes he keeps his phone in a locker, but on a day like today, when detectives want to question him, he needs to answer the fucking phone. Unless it means he’s been detained...

There’s a few hours until my shift starts, but I’m already in Jahmar’s apartment. I’m always here these days; I’ve practically moved in. It’s fucking blissful waking up next to him each day,and I’ll do anything to protect that. I have a sceptical plan; let’s hope I can pull it off.

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