Page 83 of Reclaimed

I ease her back into her own space. She dries her eyes on the bottom of a stained apron. The edges are checkered red, frilly in the style of a maid’s outfit. The black front has white lettering that says,Don’t kiss the cook…. Bend me over!

I snap my gaze back to her face.

“Oh it’s those damn kids. I called about them in the alley last week but by the time a cruiser got out here, they were gone.”

“Did you see them?” The officer asks, jotting down more notes.

“I saw two of them. Medium build, muscley. They had on black ski masks. They must have been casing the place. She’s been gone so much, you know, spending time with hot boyfriend here. They must have noticed her house has been empty.”

“Maybe, but they hit a couple on this road.”

“How many?” I ask.

“Four total. Some worse than others.”

“What’s the damage here?”

Officer Nelson slips back through his notepad. “Kitchen drawers open. Bedroom took the worst of it. The mattress is flipped. Drawers ransacked. Closet torn apart. I’d guess kids looking for money or valuables to pawn. You want to walk through and see what’s missing?”

“I wouldn’t know what valuables she keeps hidden. I’ll have to bring her by.”

“Let’s do that.”

“It’s going to have to wait. I actually have to take off.”

A heavy hand falls on my shoulder. A glance back reveals Silas behind me. “Go ahead. Let me know when you’re finished.”

Thank god for good friends. My stomach feels heavy after the shit I was giving him earlier. “Will do. I’ll give her the news too, yeah? She’ll take it better coming from me.”

“The honor is all yours.” Silas steps back to give me room to leave the house. Before I’m out the door, Isla’s neighbor has already cozied up to him. Despite the eventful afternoon, I find myself leaving with a smile.

22

Isla

Me:

How many dogs live at your dog rescue?

Aiden:

Currently Jude has fifteen. We have twelve more that are looking for their forever homes

Me:

I should get a dog

Aiden:

You can get a dog any day you want, starshine

Me:

Can we go this weekend?

Aiden:

typing

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