Page 34 of Exposé

"Okay. Okay. Are you somewhere safe?"

"Yes. I'm out front."

"Good. Stay there. Don't go inside. I'm on my way. Did you call dispatch?"

"No."

"I'm ten minutes away. Don't. Move."

"Got it."

The call ended, and I rushed towards my car, locking myself inside.

My gaze stayed glued on the building entrance as I picked at my cuticle with a shaking hand until the police cruiser sped into the parking lot, stopping next to the walkway.

Liam stepped out with Officer Beaumont, a long-time beat cop I'd met a handful of times, sending my heart into a flutter, my muscles quivering.

Dashing out of my car, I met him on the sidewalk, his brows high as I cleared my throat. "Liam. I'm sorry to bother—"

"You did the right thing. Stay here."

I nodded, swallowing a thick knot in my throat as they made their way up the two stories, their hands on their holstered pistols.

Biting my nail, I paced, my other hand scratching at my skin. Nausea rolled in my belly, my skin slick.

What if someone's in there?

What if something happens to Liam… it'll be my fault.

What did they take?

What if they've stolen everythi—

Liam and Officer Beaumont's feet hit the top steps leading down to the walkway, interrupting my anxiety-driven thoughts.

He cleared it already?

Did they find anyone?

I rushed forward, my heels clomping as I met him at the bottom step. "Well? How bad is the damage?"

He shook his head with a shrug. "Nothing looks out of place aside from the doorknob."

What…

I frowned."Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Yeah, everything is in its place, but someone definitely broke in." He blew out a long sigh and led me away from Officer Beaumont. "You’ve pissed someone off in record time with this new story, Ava." He drew in close, keeping his voice low. “Do you know who?”

"No. I mean, I spoke to one guy who hated reporters, but I didn't think he'd do anything. He didn't even know the story I was working on."

"What's his name?"

I shook my head. "It's not necessary. Like I said, he didn't even know what I was working on. He wouldn't let me get a word in to tell him."

"Just in case, Ava. Put it on the record."

I puffed out my cheeks and released my breath as I glanced back at Officer Beaumont who waited by his cruiser.

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