“Unbelievable.”
It was the fourth or fifth time Reggie’s friend said the word.
A thick fog of emotions hung in the air. Reggie and Alexis sat on the sofa clinging to each other and wiping away tears. Female bonding at its best was happening on the shredded couch.
He stood at a safe distance as the atmosphere in the room screamed no-men-allowed. I can keep her safe—if only she lets me.
The detective gathered her notes and recorder. “I’m done for now. I’ve got your phone number. Have you decided where you’ll stay?”
“Of course, she can stay with me.” Alexis offered. She looked at the detective. “I live at The Park Condos.”
“Good idea.” Detective Sellers beamed her approval. “I think it would be a safe place for you, Reggie. You should take her up on the invitation.”
After the detective left, Alexis’s gaze raked over Dylan. “And who are you?”
“I’m Dylan Monroe.” Dylan locked the door and turned back towards Alexis.
Before he could say more, Reggie took control. “Alexis!” Reggie elbowed her in the ribs. “I think you need to help me pack a few things.” She gave a little self-conscious laugh.
They moved to the bedroom. Dylan stared after them. Women. Almost thirty, and he still didn’t understand them, but it was nice to hear Reggie laugh.
He paced like a caged tiger. They needed to hurry. It was growing darker outside, and the shooter could still be around, although with the presence of the police cars, still in the parking lot, he doubted it.
Loud scraping against the hardwood floor filled the hallway, as they returned with two heavy suitcases.
“You can’t walk out the door with that monster suitcase.” Dylan threw up his hands in frustration. “He could be watching us.”
It was painful to see the happiness drain from Reggie’s face. But he had no choice. Her life depended on it.
Alexis took baby steps towards Dylan. “By the way, I’m Alexis Krinkle.” Her hand shook as she placed it in Dylan’s. “I’m Reggie’s secretary, but we don’t use that word any longer. Not PC, you know.”
“That’s fantastic. While we work on getting out of here, can you think of a case that turned sour?” Please Lord, give me wisdom to help Reggie. Dylan looked at his watch. He moved the curtain to peek outside.
It was dark. Across the parking lot stood apartment B. It contained a checker board of windows. Most were black, except a few yellow-lit squares behind closed curtains. The parking lot almost empty, the police cars now gone.
“Alexis, perhaps you should go back to your condo and I’ll bring Reggie later.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“And you’ll need to take some time off work until the police find out what’s going on.” Dylan added softly, knowing his words wouldn’t make her happy.
“No way.” Reggie crossed her arms. “I am not going to let some crazy person keep me from doing my job. I refuse to let them scare me.”
“Reggie, be reasonable. You don’t want to make—” Alexis looked shocked.
“I am being reasonable. I am going to work on Monday.” Reggie’s chin went up and her shoulders went back. Her fighting stance.
“That’s crazy Reggie, have you lost all your senses!” Alexis stood inches from Reggie.
“OK, if we don’t get outa here soon, we won’t need to worry about working Monday or any day.” Dylan said forcefully.
Both women turned to stare at him, shocked.
Oh, great. His big mouth had upset them. He needed to learn to be more tactful, but being tactful wasn’t on his mind at the moment. Reggie’s safety was. “Reggie, be reasonable. Let’s stick with the plan to go to Alexis’s for the time being. We’ll worry about work later. I’ll take you to pick up the rental car, and then you can drive to Alexis’s place. Deal?”
Her emerald eyes filled with tears and she bit her lip, making her look vulnerable and sexy at the same time. She nodded.
“Good. I’ll come back here after you get the rental to pick up your stuff and I’ll bring it to you later.” After I make sure I’m not followed.