Page 20 of Exposé

No one was around.

Stupid acorn tree.

I dashed towards the table and snagged my keys from the fruit bowl, and turned the alarm off.

An apartment door slammed in the distance as I yanked my white robe off my bathroom door and made my way outside.

It better not be that punk in 4A again.

I stepped out into the night, my racing heart slowing as I took the stairs. Chills swept over my exposed skin.

Dew-drenched grass surrounded the covered pavilions and cooking grills—a perk of apartment living I never used.

"Was that your car?"

My stomach dropped as I spun around.

A woman with a messy bun resting on her head stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her sweats three inches too short and her shirt equally too long.

"Yes." I nodded. "Sorry. I don't know what set it off. I haven't looked yet."

"Scared the crap outta me. I thought it was that shithead in 4A again."

A smile crept across my face. "I thought the same thing."

The woman spun around and hiked back up the steps as I turned towards my car.

It stands to reason…if it was someone, they're gone now.

My fingers clenched the car door handle and gave it a tug.

Secure…

I walked around to the other side, inspecting the glass, the ground surrounding the car, and trunk. Grabbing the driver's side door handle, I tugged.

Secure too…

My brows furrowed as I glanced down the empty parking lot, minus the few extra tenants stepping out of their apartments.

Adrenaline rubbed my nerves raw as I stepped onto the curb, my skin pebbling with goosebumps.

Lights flashed on in tenant's homes, their curtains drawn back as they peered outside.

Not to worry. It was only the wind…

My bare feet shuffled over the cement, my arms wrapped around my torso as I hustled inside. The muscles in my back tensed, and a knot formed in my belly as a cold sweat slicked my goosebump-laden flesh—the hairs on my neck standing to attention.

I spun in a circle, my gaze darting between shadows.

Silence.

The cacophony of crickets hushed, their aggravating chorus leaving the air a bleeding void.

Someone's there.

I squeezed my arms tighter around me.

It's all in your head.

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