Chapter 1
Calliope Bradford-Clarke
I insert my key, and instead of resistance, my apartment door swings open. Reaching into my purse, I arm myself with pepper spray and stare into the dark space.
Did I forget to lock up this morning?I don’t know, every day blends into the next. I made coffee and fed Dyna or she would’ve complained. Then, I took the campus shuttle and in the blink of an eye, my day was over.
“Hello? Anyone here?” Inch by inch, my boots tap-tap on the linoleum as I work my way through the kitchen and into the living room. In the eerie silence, I hold my breath, flip on the lamp, and something bumps my shoulder.
Holy crap! It takes a full five seconds to stop screaming, open my eyes, and realize it was just my cat. Dyna, scrunched under the couch, peers at me with her yellow eyes wide.
“You almost gave me a heart attack.” Squatting, I give her a pat and stare into the room.
What the hell?
Like most people, I generally prefer my artwork on my wall but it lies haphazardly all over my living room floor. Scarier still, above the mantel, my safe is open.
Oh shit.What if someone’s still lurking? I squat, grab Dyna, and dash back into the hall. Then, I take out my cell phone, push nine-one and stop there, imaging what will happen next.
I’ll say, “Hello? This is Calliope Bradford-Clarke and I’m calling to report a break-in. I’ll give the operator my address. Soon after, the chief of police will call the mayor who’ll inform my mother.
No, no, no.
Although it pains me, there’s only one person I can trust to come at this late hour. Taking a deep breath, I text Gerry.
Me: Someone broke into my apartment.
Ger: B there in 5
Me: TY
This is stupid. Surely, whoever broke in is long gone. Otherwise, Dyna wouldn’t purr contentedly at my feet. Perhaps, I’m dead and this is hell. With that cheerful thought in mind, I hold forth my mace. Bravely, I check the hall closets, under the bed, and behind the shower curtain. Shuddering, I recall the images of Janet Leigh inPsycho.
When I’m certain there’s no crazy guy with a knife in my apartment, I bolt the front door.
I’ve had two cups of chamomile tea when Gerard bangs on my apartment door. “Callie? You in there?”
“Just a sec.”
As he continues his assault on the wood, I peer into the tiny peephole to verify no one’s holding a gun to his head. I guess I took too long because by the time I open the door, Gerard seems fit to be tied.
That’s why you shouldn’t’ve called him.
Thank you very much, Captain Obvious.
When he steps into my kitchen, Dyna hisses, bats a paw at his ankle, and darts under the couch.
“Stupid cat.” Gerard brushes off his pant legs, his gaze drifts to my living room, and his mouth drops open. “My God, did they get your earrings?”
“No, they’re in my safety deposit box.” Annoyed he asked about them before me, I grab my covered bridge canvas and step onto my couch.
As I stretch the wire over the nail head, the state of the room bothers me. My pictures were moved and yet nothing else was touched. Clearly, the thief, or thieves knew I had a safe in the living room, just not where.
I make a mental note to tell the police chief. That is, if and when I decide to call.
Gerard helps me off my sofa and pulls me into an unexpected kiss.
“Don’t.” I shove at his chest. “Jeesh. We’ve talked about this.”
