Page 15 of Freeing Ruby

“From now on, I’ll collect your mail, okay?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” I head for the door and start to unlock the deadbolts. “I’ll be right back. Why don’t you lock up after I leave?”

“Wait! Where are you going?” Ruby asks as she joins me at the door. Her voice is laced with panic.

“I’m going to have a talk with your neighbor.”

“Who? Darren?”

“Yes. I want to feel him out. Besides, I’ll let him know I’ll be getting your mail from now on.”

“No!” She grabs my wrist. “Don’t go out there, please.”

I lower my arm and face her. “Why not?”

She looks truly afraid. Her voice drops to a whisper. “You know why. It’s not safe.”

My chest tightens, and I realize it’s because I hurt for Ruby. I stare down at her pale expression, her eyes filled with panic. She’s practically paralyzed with fear. It’s sad because she’s missing out on so much in life. She’s young and talented and beautiful. She should be out in the world living her best life and experiencing all the good the world has to offer, not trapped here inside her apartment, living a life devoid of sunshine and fresh air.

I pry her grip from my wrist and squeeze her hand. “I’ll be fine, Ruby. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m just going next door to pay Darren a friendly visit. That’s all. What’s his last name?”

“Ingles.” Ruby still doesn’t look happy. In fact, she looks like she’s about to jump out of her skin.

“You can lock the door after I leave,” I tell her, but I have a feeling that’s a given.

She nods.

And then I let myself out of the apartment. Before I take a step toward Darren’s unit, I hear all three deadbolts locking, one right after another. Then I hear the chain slide into place.

Darren’s apartment, 2A, is to the left of Ruby’s unit. I walk to his door and knock. The door opens almost immediately.

His suit jacket is off, and his shirt collar is unbuttoned. “Yes?” He’s glaring at me. “What do you want?”

There’s a lot of unjustified hostility in his voice. The guy doesn’t even know me. He has no reason to dislike me.

Unless he’s jealous that I’m in Ruby’s apartment. He’s never made it past her threshold.

“Darren, we need to talk.”

Chapter 7

Miguel

Darren’s eyes narrow on me. “Talk about what?”

“Ruby. Who do you think?”

“What’s your business with Ruby?” he asks.

“She told you—I’m a friend. I’m just visiting.”

“That’s bullshit. Ruby doesn’t have any friends.”

Since I can’t really refute that, I ignore it. “Ruby tells me you’ve been helping her out with mail and trash.”

“Yes. So?”

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