Page 71 of Freeing Ruby

“I’m not going to be Allen’s fall guy.”

“It’s a little late for that, don’t you think?”

Chapter 26

Ruby

After Miguel leaves to do his sleuthing, I stand at the balcony doors for the longest time and stare at Lake Michigan. I haven’t been this close to the lake in years. As the sun crosses the evening sky, I watch how the light reflects off the water’s surface. I envy the people playing on the beach, the kids splashing in the surf, the adults swimming out toward the buoys. I keep thinking back to what Miguel said about us walking down to the beach.

I’d love nothing more.

But I can’t do it. It’s too much to even contemplate.

But I do know this—if there was anyone who made me feel safe enough to try, it would be Miguel.

I head to my art studio and take a good look around. Everything’s right where it should be. I marvel at the movers’ attention to detail. As I take my seat at the worktable, Pumpkin curls up in the little cat bed at my feet. All my supplies are within reach, and I pick up right where I left off on my newest commission—an older gray tabby cat with a white patch on his chest.

I’ve been working for about an hour when my phone rings. I check the screen, then immediately accept the call. “Miguel, hi!”

“Hi, Ruby.” He sighs. “I just wanted to let you know I’m going to be tied up for a while this evening. Can I have Layla come hang out with you until I get home?”

“It’s okay. I’m fine. Honestly. I’m working on a painting, and Pumpkin is keeping me company. The movers did a phenomenal job with my art supplies.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“Is everything all right?” There’s something odd about his voice. He sounds uncharacteristically subdued.

“Everything’s fine. I’m making progress. I’ll tell you everything when I get home.”

Home. I like the sound of that. “Okay. Well, be careful. With everything that’s happened, who knows what could come next.”

“I will. Hey, Ruby, do me a favor, please?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Don’t let anyone into the apartment while I’m gone, okay? No one. Especially not your dad.”

“My dad? He doesn’t even know where I am.”

“I know, but please don’t talk to him or see him unless I’m with you. Please promise me. It’s important.”

“All right. I promise.”

“I’ll be home as soon as I can. If you need me, just call, okay?”

“All right.”

After we end the call, I sit at my worktable and stare out the window at the skyline in the distance. Miguel didn’t sound like himself, not at all. I know there’s something he’s not telling me.

Pumpkin jumps up in my lap and rubs against me. “Be careful, buddy. No cat hair in the painting.”

I push my chair back from the table and cradle Pumpkin for a little one-on-one quality time. “How do you like our new place? Well, our temporary place anyway.”

He chirps contentedly.

“You saved my life, you sweet boy.” I kiss the top of his head. I don’t want to think about what might’ve happened if he hadn’t knocked over my coffee when he did. I’d probably be dead. I shudder at the thought.

I’m feeling a bit restless since Miguel’s call, and I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on my work. So, I carry Pumpkin to the living room, and we curl up on the sofa and turn on the TV. I need something to distract me while I’m waiting for Miguel to come back.

---