Page 96 of Compelled Obedience

“I left one of my books here. I used my key. I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?” I demanded. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But your apartment is trashed.”

Oh, no. No. No. The evidence. That’s what someone was looking for. If it was found, then I was a dead woman. My mind went back to the night almost ten years before, hiding behind crates in the warehouse. I’d accidentally left the flash on, which had been the reason my stepfather had been certain someone had taken pictures.

The moment played back in my head like a broken record.

“What the fuck? Did you check the warehouse?” Drago snarled.

“Of course I did. No one could get in. What the hell did you think you saw?”

Drago took a deep breath, taking several steps in my direction. I slunk back into the shadows, holding my breath, biting my lip to keep from screaming. There was so much blood. He stopped only feet away, shaking his head. “Maybe it’s nothing. Get the fucking place cleaned up.”

“What about the police?”

Laughing, Drago turned toward the bloody scene, lifting the dead man’s head. “I have them under control. I made a nice contribution to the police fund. Torch the place. I don’t want any evidence.”

“You got it, boss man.”

Exhaling, I tried to control my breathing. I hadn’t known who to trust then, the police under the cartel’s thumb. But I did now.

Grant.

He would know what to do. It was time to bring this to an end. Thank God he’d sent copies of the evidence to his attorney. I could breathe easier. Maybe.

I tried, taking several scattered breaths as I turned in a full circle. Then I returned to the hallway, grateful Casey was fully embroiled in his music. I closed the door softly, refusing to allow him to overhear me.

“Just calm down. It’s okay. Did you leave? Are you safe?” I asked, trying to remain calm.

“Yes. I waited to call you.”

“Any sign of anyone?”

“No,” she said. It was obvious she was terrified. “The place looked like a tornado had gone through it. Everything is broken, even a few of the cabinets ripped off the wall. I can’t believe no one called the police. Do you want me to contact the landlord?”

I rubbed my eyes, trying to ignore the fear creeping into my system. “No, sweetie. I’ll take care of that. Okay? Just calm down. I’m safe in a gorgeous new place for now.”

“I’m glad. You deserve to be safe. What is going on?”

“Nothing for you to be concerned about.”

I heard a key being slid into the door and a grin popped across my face. It would seem begging for Grant to come home early had filtered into that big brain of his. I’d even prepared some marinara sauce just in case he made it for dinner. Excitement tore through me, which was insanely incredible. “I gotta run, girl, but stop worrying. Everything is going to be just fine. Okay?”

“Okay. If you say so. Call me when you can,” Rebecca said.

Maybe this would all work out. He’d assured me that he was going to find answers and I believed him.

“I will.” I shoved the phone into the back pocket of my shorts and headed for the door, opening it before he had a chance to do so, preparing to throw my arms around him.

Instead, I was in for a shock.

A woman stood with a frown on her gorgeous face, her eyes full of venom.

“Who the hell are you?” she demanded.

“Someone who was invited to live here. Now, I need to ask. Do I know you and what are you doing here?” I asked the beautiful woman standing on the other side of the door.

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