Page 117 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“Wellthatwent a lot better than I anticipated,” Mael murmured, smiling.

Echo barked with laughter.

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Mael dragged him into another hug, one Echo never wanted to be let loose from. After all the worry, their world felt like it was finally falling into place.

“Um, Echo? I hate to interrupt you, but can I have a moment?”

Echo turned to see his neighbor Tatum standing on the other side of the gate.

“Sure,” he said, curious why Tatum looked on the verge of tears. He walked closer.

“Both of you,” Tatum said, eyeing Mael.

Echo frowned at Mael. He shared the same expression but joined them at the gate.

“I want to apologize. It’s my fault the officers came to arrest you,” Tatum said, tears shining in his eyes.

Echo’s smile fell.“What?”

“They came to me a few weeks ago, asking questions about a man on a motorcycle and what I’d seen. I remember hearing a motorcycle nearby on a few occasions, but I hadn’t really seen anything. They asked me to watch your house and the minute I saw a large dark-haired man on a black motorcycle to call them because you were in danger.” Tatum’s brows knitted together. “They told me the man on the motorcycle had sexually assaulted you and they feared he’d be back.” Tatum eyed Mael. “I saw you, so I called. I was trying to be a good neighbor and protect Echo from harm.” He looked back at Echo. “I should’ve come to talk to you about it. I’ve stood at the edge of our properties so many times, wondering if I should knock and check on you—but we’ve never done more than wave hello and say a few words in passing.” He shook his head. “I’m aterribleneighbor. If I’d only asked you, I could’ve prevented them from terrorizing you both. I hope you can forgive me.”

“You’re not a terrible neighbor,” Echo said. “You did what you thought you needed to do to protect me, and for that, I’m grateful. How were you to know that the police lied to you?” Echo glared at their ringleader.

“I will get his name before we leave,” Mael said. “I don’t know if you noticed, but he had it covered when he was inside your house.”

“Oh,” Tatum said, digging into his pocket. He pulled out a wallet and rifled through. After drawing out a business card, he handed it to Mael. “This is what he gave me when he came to the house.”

Mael took it and smiled. “Thank you, Tatum. You’ve been very helpful.” He lifted the card. “May I keep this?”

“Absolutely,” Tatum said.

“And as Echo said, this is not your fault. They lied to you. You tried to help Echo and had the lies been true, you might’ve saved him from harm. I thank you for that,” Mael said.

Tatum smiled wryly. “I appreciate that, though I still feel awful. Pushing a pregnant omega down the stairs? It’s unconscionable.”

“The next time you want to knock on my door and talk, feel free. We’re neighborsandomegas. We should be looking out for one another,” Echo said. “The only real crime either of us have committed is not talking sooner.”

Tatum smiled. “I agree.”

“Thank you for telling us what happened,” Echo said. “I’m glad we know who?—”

Echo suddenly gasped.

“You just remembered Joanna?” Mael murmured.

Echo nodded. “I owe my mother an apology.”

Mael sighed. “Well, youhadjust been assaulted by a police officer. You weren’t clearheaded at that moment—hopefully she’ll offer a little grace.”

“I didn’t offer her much before assuming she’d committed that sin.”

Tatum’s eyes widened. “Did my call cause even more pain?”

“This one’s fullymyfault,” Echo said.

“Well, if you need my help, let me know,” Tatum said. He grinned. “I’m just next door.”

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