Page 37 of Damsel in Defense
“That may be, Miss—”
“I don’t know why I have to keep defending myself to you.I don’t drink.There was no alcohol in my apartment.And as I’ve told you, I’ve been at Honeycomb Studios all afternoon.The fire started before I even got home.”
Again, the men exchange looks.This time, however, one of them has understanding on his face.
“I apologize for the assumption.That was not my intention.However, we have to ask these questions, no matter how hard they are.We’ll check all this out and get back to you within the next few days.”
Victoria nods, her body still tense in my arms.
“Can I go up to my apartment?”
“I’m afraid not.There’s considerable damage, and the smell of smoke will linger for a few more days.You’ll have to find somewhere else to stay for the next little while.”
Victoria curses under her breath.
“Thank you,” I say to the men.“Do you have everything you need?I’d like to take Victoria inside.”
The men nod, giving us one long last look before turning and heading back toward the other men in uniform.
“Let’s go,” I say softly, turning her away from the crowd and into the building.The alarm has stopped, and the building’s security guard is back behind the counter.We lock eyes but don’t say anything.
In silence, Victoria and I take the elevator up to my apartment.She doesn’t leave my arms the entire way up.
When we get to my place, I lead her inside and straight to the couch.Angling her so that she falls to the side of me, tucked close, I wait for her to say something.I can’t imagine what she’s been through and is thinking right now.
After a couple of minutes, she twists her body so that we’re facing each other.
“I don’t have alcohol in the apartment,” she states.
“I know.”
“Then how the hell did it get there?Do you think someone was in my apartment?”
“Does anyone else have a key?Or did you let the superintendent know something wasn’t working right and maybe forgot?”
She gives my questions a beat of thought, then shakes her head.“No.No one should have access to my apartment but me.I think—” She hesitates for a moment, pressing her lips together.“I think someone must have broken in.”
I’m not sure what to say.I don’t want to dismiss her feelings, but that was a leap to take.
“Why do you think that?”
“The vodka, for one.There’s absolutely no way that could have been in the apartment.I just moved in.No one but you and a couple delivery people have come in, and it’s not like you’d bring that over as a welcome gift.”
“True,” I mutter, really thinking about the circumstances.
“And second, I’m not a candle girl.The scented ones give me headaches.Everything the cops and firefighters reported doesn’t make sense.”
I run a hand down her back, steady and slow.“You’re right.It doesn’t make sense.”
Victoria looks up at me, her eyes wide and searching, like she’s waiting for the moment I continue with a patronizing “but.”
But I won’t.I can’t.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” I continue, voice low.“Too many strange things happened tonight.Unfortunately, we don’t have enough solid facts right now to know what.Let the cops follow up, and hopefully, we’ll get answers soon.We’ll take it from there.”
Her head falls onto the side of my chest, her hair tickling my skin.
“I hate this,” she finally says, voice muffled by the fabric of my shirt.“Feeling like I have to defend myself.Feeling like no one believes me.Again.”
