Page 95 of Allure

“Brooke? Sempai Declan?”

The door has opened, and Ashley’s peering out at us. The door has only opened a crack, so I can just see a sliver of her face, and my heart hurts to see the fear in her gray eyes.

“I am so sorry for showing up like this,” I say in a rush. “I tried to call first.”

“I’m not taking calls. Not unless it’s my husband. I… Thank you for coming by to check on me. That means a lot.”

I blink frantically so that the stupid tears in my eyes won’t fall. “I am so sorry,” I say again. “I wish I could have done something—”

“You did do something,” she says, the door opening more. She glances behind her and then steps onto her porch, shutting the door behind her. “The baby’s napping on the couch. She’s not really a baby anymore, but… Brooke, I did what you said. I tossed my purse away from me, and I never would’ve thought to do that if not for the class. He scrambled for the stuff, and I so wanted to stomp on his foot, to knee him, but that gun…”

“You did exactly what you should’ve done,” I assure her, reaching out to touch her arm.

"You really did," Declan echoes. "If you tried to attack him, he might've shot you."

Ashley nods a few times, hugging herself, smiling wanly at me. “I just kept thinking about my kids and wanting to see them again, wanting to get away… I did. I’m safe. I just…”

“You don’t feel safe.”

She shakes her head. “We’re going to have a home security system installed, but they can’t come for another few days. My husband wanted to take today off, but he has a massive project for work, and he just can’t. Tomorrow, he’s going to see if he can work from home, but… I’ve been going out of my mind. I can’t get the attack out of my head…”

“It was the same way for me too,” I assure her.

“Does it get better?” she whispers.

“Yes and no.”

She chuckles ruefully. “I should’ve figured that.”

Ashley points to the sidewalk, and we glance over to see the spot. It's right under a streetlight.

“He had on a baseball cap, but the light there helped me to get a good look at him, at his face.”

“Did you see his eyes?” I ask.

“Green,” she says without hesitating.

I don’t dare look at Declan, but I can’t help feeling vindicated, and I might very well be smirking.

“A mole?” Declan asks.

“Yes, under his…” Ashley narrows her eyes. “Under the left side of his nose. I remember because I thought it was fitting that the attacker was so ugly, like his actions matched his appearance maybe. That’s ridiculous. I’m sorry.”

“Not at all, but that confirms it. It’s the same guy. The mugger looks just like that.” I glance at the street. “Did you see his… vehicle?”

I almost said truck, but I don’t want to influence her memory in any way.

“A truck. A Toyota, I think, but I didn’t see the plate. I’m not great with cars, their makes and models, so I’m not much help there. The police asked. They heard that the mugger might be driving a Tundra, but they only mentioned that after I said it had been a Toyota. I only recognize it that much because my husband has been wanting to buy one. That’ll have to wait now because of the home security system…”

“There’s no money better spent than money paid to keep you and your family safe,” I assure her.

“Definitely.” Her smile looks a bit more relaxed now. “Thank you. I feel better. It’s good to know people care. The police… I know they’re doing what they can, but so far…” She shrugs. “I would invite you in, but honestly, with the baby napping, I should try to rest. I won’t dare sleep without Jack being home, but…”

“Of course. I’m sorry for intruding,” I say.

“I hope you can sleep tonight,” Declan says.

“Maybe,” she says doubtfully. Beneath her eyes is dark, so dark.

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