“Yes, thank you very much. I was just a little heated the other day.”
He smirked down at me and shook his head. A rush of something crept into my chest. He didn’t make me feel ashamed for my outburst, not even for a second. While his disapproval was evident, he’d done nothing except make a joke or two. And despite having every reason to be embarrassed, he wasn’t. He was still here. Invested. Acting like he cared.
Appreciation overwhelmed me. “Thanks for doing this,” I said.
His eyes widened. “Uh, no problem. I want to help.”
And I believed him. Which might not seem like a big deal, but in that moment, it felt important.
“You ready?” I asked.
“Let’s do it.”
I led the way, pushing open the door, Reid right on my tail. The office was only big enough to fit a desk and a rickety wooden bookshelf that looked like it had been assembled without anyone reading the directions in full. A few packages lay forgotten in the corner. A man sat behind the computer, lounging back in his chair, scrolling on his phone. I’d seen him a few times before. He was maybe fifty, with salt and pepper hair. He jerked up when he noticed us and set his phone face down on the desk.
“Hi,” I said sweetly, putting on my best charming smile like I was suiting up for battle. “We just had a quick question.”
Reid nudged me in the back.Right, don’t ask. Tell.
“Um, I mean, we just need something. It shouldn’t take long.”
“What can I help you with?” he asked.
“See, I actually had something of mine stolen recently. From the shared courtyard,” I started.
“And we’re in the middle of a police investigation,” Reid continued. “Her cat was taken from right out front.Thankfully, we noticed you have cameras set up that record the exact place the crime took place.”
The man’s forehead scrunched as he tipped back in his chair to look out the window. “Stolen? How do you know the cat didn’t run away?” he asked.
Man, I was really getting tired of that question.
“Hazel here has received some threatening messages from the person who stole him.” Reid placed an arm around my shoulder. I tried to ignore the zing that went through my entire body.
He frowned. “Shoot, I’m sorry about that. I hadn’t heard.”
“Right—” I squinted to read the name plate on the desk. “Mason. It’s awful,” I said. “But we need to get the footage from last Thursday morning, around seven a.m.”
Eagerness seeped into my voice, I couldn’t help it. Mason’s wide eyes narrowed slowly as he looked between Reid and me.
“And you said there’s a police investigation?” he asked.
“Yep,” Reid said.
“Then why aren’t they here asking for the footage themselves?”
“They said it would be easier if I came in to ask. But they’d be happy to come down if you need them to.” Shit. Did I sound too hopeful? Was he buying this?
Mason eyed us for a second longer before letting out a long sigh, then gave a small shake of his head. I went completely still.
“We really aren’t supposed to give that footage out. I could get in trouble with the boss,” he said.
“There must be a process for a police investigation. We can give you the report number.” Reid had his calm, pleasant voice on. He looked respectable in his glasses and peacoat, the kind of guy you could trust. A stark contrast to me in my ancient puffer jacket with down feathers poking out sporadically, and messy hair I’d forgotten to run a brush through this morning.
“Ah, I’m sorry, man. I’d like to help, but I think the police have to be here in person, or maybe have a warrant or something? I’m not sure. I really can’t get written up again.”
“It’s less than an hour of footage,” Reid pressed. “Please. Someone came onto the property and stole something. This is bigger than just one resident.”
“My hands are tied.” Mason seemed genuinely sorry about the whole thing, but he also wasn’t budging.
