Page 43 of Detective Daddy Next Door

"I don't know. If someone in my office is doing this, then they give me more reason to want to work with Myles. Because now, I just want to bring whoever is responsible down. I've been dreading being in my own house. Every shadow, every single thing, looks and sounds like an attacker to me. It's driving me crazy."

"You could come stay here for a while if your place freaks you out. I've got room."

I really need a place far away from my house, but I also don’t want to impose on her. "I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm sure they'll leave me alone soon. You need your privacy."

"I have privacy. I'm not expecting a lover, if that's what you mean. That guy I told you about finally dumped me. Well, he didn't exactly dump me. He's a coward, so he ghosted me instead. No replies to my texts, no calls. So, you're free to come stay."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I've been so neck-deep in my own problems that I didn't ask you about him after the last time we spoke."

"It's fine. It hurts trying to put yourself out there and getting nothing in return. But I'll get over it. It's fine. So, are you accepting my offer?"

I nod. "I am. I'll be happy to be out of the house until I can figure out what's going on or things die down."

She jumps up and slaps her thighs. "Great. Let's go get your things."

"What? Now?"

"Yes, now."

"I can go later to get them. You don't have to worry yourself."

"No, there's no way I'm letting you go back there on your own. Let's go now. We can take my car."

I shake my head. "Your car will break down ten times before we get there. And if someone is after us, they'll catch us easily. Let's take mine."

She laughs and snorts. "I can't wait to trade in my car. I can't wait to get a better job. To be honest, I can't wait to have a better life."

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Things will get better. And I can…"

"I know what you're about you say. You can help me out financially. No, I think you've done enough already. Your friendship is enough for me. I'll get my life fixed, okay?"

I nod and hug her.

"Let's go," she says, pulling away from me.

When we get to my place, I turn off the car engine and stare at the house I’ve come to really like. I can't believe that the house I used to see as a refuge, the house I found comfort in when I was going through a hard heartbreak, has turned into a house I don't even feel comfortable in anymore. I'd intended to stay here until I was promoted and could buy my own. I sigh and get out of the car.

I open the front door slowly, but Ava pushes it open wide.

"You don’t have to fear anything. No one's going to attack you. Not while I'm here. If they try, they’ll have me to deal with."

I laugh. "Really? You don't look like you could fight off a bug."

She tilts her head. "What? What are these hands for?" She stretches her slender hands to me. "For slapping a bitch into a coma, Bria."

I cackle and head for the bedroom. I like that Ava is here with me. I'm glad I allowed her to come. I feel a bit safer than I would if I'd come alone.

I'm pulling clothes out of my closet while Ava is putting them in a little black bag on the bed.

"I don't need much," I say, and stop going through my closet.

"Trust me, you do. What if you decide to stay at my place longer?"

"Okayyyy," I drawl and look for more office wear.

On our way out, I notice that a mini figurine of a cat that I'd bought on a work trip is missing from where I keep it on a small table. It'd been there this morning. Or was it last night I saw it last? I stand, looking at the empty table.

"What's wrong?"

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