Page 35 of Exposé

"Okay. Fair point. His name is Carson Givens. Goes by the name—"

He nodded. "Yeah, I know who he is. We've had a few run-ins with him."

"Is he dangerous?"

He shook his head. "Nothing aggravated, but he didn't run with a good crowd. Supposedly, he hasn't been picked up in a year or so."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Could be, but most of the time, it's not because they've met Jesus. They've gotten good at skimming under the radar."

I crossed my arms over my chest, my cuticle and nail unable to take any more abuse. "Great. But I really don't think it's him."

"What about your doorknob? Do you want me to fix it? I've got some time."

I shook my head. "No. You've already helped me enough. And I have to let the office know about it. I'm sure they'll have the maintenance guy come replace it."

His dimpled smile filled my mind, and I brushed it away.

"Alright, but if they can't fix it tonight, let me know. You can stay at my place."

I gave him a soft smile. "Thanks, Liam. I appreciate it."

"Anytime. You know I'm here for you."

Nodding, we walked back to the cruiser Officer Beaumont leaned against, his phone in hand, laughing at his screen.

"Did you hear they're holding Oktoberfest in Crafton Park again this year?"

"Oh yeah. I heard about that." I cracked my knuckle as I squeezed my finger tight.

"Supposedly, it's going to be even better this year with a new German rock band and vendors. Want to check it out together?"

"I don't know..."

"But you never miss it."

"I'm really busy this year—"

"Right, right. You're a busy bee."

"All finished up?" Officer Beaumont righted himself as we drew closer and tucked his phone into his pocket.

"All's good. Thanks for showing up."

Officer Beaumont winced as he leaned his head to the side and grabbed his mic on his shoulder. "Copy that, 32443 in route." He released his mic and gestured to Liam, who opened the passenger door.

“You’re doing house calls now? I thought detectives didn’t do that stuff.”

“We were out for dinner. But it looks like I’m tagging along on this one.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a key. "I've got to go. Please don't stay if they can't fix it tonight. Here's the key to my place. Just in case."

"Thanks, Liam."

He nodded and slipped inside, the lights blazing before driving off.

"Damn it." I sighed as I raked my fingers through my hair and made my way to the second floor.

I stared at the broken lock, then stepped inside, hesitation eating at my insides.

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