Page 16 of Freeing Ruby

“I wanted to thank you. I’m sure you know Ruby doesn’t get out much.”

Darren frowns as he tries to figure out where this is going. “It’s no big deal,” he says. “Ruby’s a sweet girl. I’m happy to help her out.”

I nod. “I appreciate it. I was wondering, have you noticed anyone hanging around Ruby’s apartment door? Maybe leaving things on her welcome mat?”

“No.”

“I see. Well, if you notice anything odd, would you let me know? And, now that I’m here, I’ll take care of Ruby’s mail and trash.” I pull a fake business card from my back pocket and hand it to him. It contains just my name and cell number, no other identifying information. “Here’s my number. If you see anything suspicious, give me a call.”

As I walk away, he calls after me, “Hey, I don’t mind helping her out. It’s no problem. I’m happy to do it.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll take care of anything she needs.”

Scowling, Darren closes his door and locks it.

Well, that wasn’t weird at all. Unfortunately, I can’t strike Darren off my list of suspects. The guy seems a bit possessive where Ruby’s concerned.

Before returning to the apartment, I make a quick detour and head downstairs to the front lobby, where the mail room is located. I easily find Ruby’s mail compartment, 2B, built into the wall. The mail room is pretty bare… just the boxes for the tenants, a white plastic chair, and a trash can filled with junk mail.

It’s easy to see how someone could slip an envelope into her mailbox. These old mailboxes aren’t secure. They all contain slots so the mail carrier can just slide the mail into each box.

I glance out the front window at the street, which is bustling with traffic. There’s a steady flow of pedestrians on the sidewalk, most of them likely on their way home from work. Ruby lives in a mixed-use area, combining apartments with small businesses and restaurants. Across the street from Ruby’s building is an old Catholic church with a tall steeple. It’s the top of the hour, and the church bell rings seven times. A couple of blocks away is a large playground.

On my way back upstairs to Ruby, I get a text message from my friend Philip.

Philip – On my way. I’ll be there in ten.

Me – thanks

I race up the stairs and knock quietly on Ruby’s door. “Ruby, it’s me, Miguel. I’m back.”

A moment later, she unlocks the door and opens it. I slip inside, and immediately she relocks the door.

“How was your meeting with Darren?” she asks.

“Inconclusive. He’s an interesting guy. How much do you know about him?”

She shrugs. “Not much. He’s an accountant.”

“That’s it? That’s all you know?”

“Pretty much. We don’t really talk much. He just brings me my mail and takes away my trash.”

“Okay. By the way, my friend will be here soon to install the security system.” She doesn’t look happy, so I add, “It’s for your protection, Ruby. If anyone were to try to break in, the police would be notified immediately. There’s also a panic button that you can use to instantly summon emergency services—police, fire, or paramedics. I’ll be here with you the entire time he’s installing the system. It’ll be quick and painless, I promise.”

Those crystal clear blue eyes glance up at me, and indecision is written all over her face. Impulsively, I reach for her hand, but she steps back.

“It’s in your best interest, Ruby. If I had to leave for any reason, you’d be perfectly safe here. The door and all the windows would be armed with sensors.”

She nods reluctantly. “Okay.”

“Good. He’ll be here any minute.”

Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t say anything.

A few minutes later, there’s a knock at the door.

“That’ll be Philip,” I tell her. “I’ll get it.” I open the door and let him in. He’s loaded down with a box and a tool kit.

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