Page 46 of The Rich One

“No. God, no.” I don’t know if he actually hears me because Officer Nunez repeats my answer a little louder for him.

“River, are you all right?” Mr. Bobby is at the door and as soon as I see him, I cry like a child who’s in need of a comforting hug. “Oh, sweet girl. Hold on, now. Let me get to you.” With difficulty, he makes it to my side and engulfs me in his embrace, holding me close and rocking me like a baby.

“And you are?” I don’t see Officer Nunez, but I hear her tone. Suspicion. It jars my memories of the shows I like to watch, and I’m guessing she’s thinking the same thing I am.

It’s always those closest to you.

Also, criminals like to return to the scene of the crime, acting like the good Samaritan.

Except Mr. Bobby is almost eighty years old and despite his big frame, I doubt he’d have the force or the will to hold down some dude while he cut off his dick.

Also, it would make absolutely no sense.

“I’ll be okay, Mr. Bobby. Just some random person playing a prank, I think. Officer Nunez, this is…” It’s then I realize I don’t know his full name. Everyone in the neighborhood just calls him Mr. Bobby. Thankfully, he intervenes.

“Robert McGraw. I live downstairs, I’m the super of this building.”

The whole thing took forever. Between the questions, the forensics, more questions, it was exhausting and all I really wanted was for them to leave. Once they were finally gone, the apartment fell eerily silent. Mr. Bobby stayed behind, as if he knew I needed the comfort.

“When did this happen?” Mr. Bobby looks frazzled, like he’s somehow responsible for any of this. “I locked the access door at eight tonight when I went back to my place.”

I sigh because that’s the thing. You need a code to get in downstairs, so either it’s someone in the building or… I have no fucking clue.

Robotically, I repeat my story to Mr. Bobby, too tired to put any emotion into it.

“You shouldn’t stay here alone tonight. Is there anyone who could come get you? Anyone you could stay with?” I stare at my kind neighbor and there’s only one name that pops into my head.

Kai.

I try again, hoping and silently praying that he’ll answer. Except it’s almost one-thirty in the morning and Kai works at seven, so my expectations are quite low.

Straight to voicemail this time. His phone is off and I’m fucked.

I try the next best thing.

He answers on the fourth ring.

“What the fuck, River, it’s…fuck. What time is it?” I hear rustling and then Petal’s voice answering him. It takes a minute, but concern is clear in his voice.

“Are you okay? Did something happen?” I don’t like to play victim on any day and definitely not when it comes to Everest. I’m the adult. He should be completely worry free when it comes to me. I’m the big sister, but right now, I just need my family.

“I’m fine but something did happen. Is it okay if I come to your place right now? I have a key so no need to get up. I’ll just crash on your couch.” There’s silence for a little while. I’m guessing Everest is in shock because I never ask for help. If I had another option, I wouldn’t be asking now either.

I thought about Nathaniel, but good grief, one dinner does not equate white knight. I’m not ready to scare him off that quickly.

“Of course, River. You know our home is your home. I’m just worried, that’s all.” Bless his heart because it literallyisin my name.

“I know and I’ll explain it all in the morning. Go back to sleep, I’ll be fine.” I smile because Everest is my favorite teddy bear.

“I’ll come pick you up at the ferry, I don’t like you taking a car at this time of night. I don’t like you being so far away right now either.” I sigh. I need to choose my battles, and telling him not to come is only going to create an unnecessary argument.

“Fine. Okay. Thank you. I’ll text you my arrival time.”

* * *

It was almost three in the morning when I arrived at their house. I’ve left fear behind and now, as I lie on my brother’s couch, the anger is taking precedence.

Who the fuck thinks dropping off a dick on my doorstep is a good idea for a gift?

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