“But I’ll do my best.”
This guy was constantly not only living up to but exceeding any expectations I had for him. He was genuinely a good guy who’d do anything for those he cared about and here he was, yet again, stepping up.
“That’s all I can ask for. Thank you, Hayden. I know Kellie will appreciate this. She needs it.”
“And what about you, Skye? What do you need?”
23
HAYDEN
Five night shiftsin a row wrecked me.
I was tired, hungry, and not in the mood to deal with anyone’s bullshit. Being left alone for a couple of days sounded like exactly what I needed. For some reason, the last few nights, Dickson had gotten on my nerves more than normal. It was like he couldn’t shut up. There was constant dribble spilling out of his mouth, most of which was trivial crap I had absolutely no interest in.
Not even bothering to stop to grab food on my way home, I parked and took the stairs with heavy steps. I had no idea what was left in my apartment, let alone what was still edible, but it would do. Surely I still had one of Mom’s frozen meals in the back of the freezer that’d work. Who cares if I had lamb curry for breakfast. It wasn’t like my stomach knew what time of the day it was anyway.
Reaching my front door, I could hear someone on the other side.
“Not fucking today,” I grumbled.
The last thing I was in the mood to deal with was some asshole breaking into my apartment and going through my shit. If they were dumb enough to rob a cop, then they’d get what was coming to them, but fuck me, I didn’t have the energy.
Trying the handle, it wasn’t even locked but a quick glance showed me no damage had been done to the latch itself and instantly I was trying to remember if I’d remembered to lock it on my way out last night. Now wasn’t the time for what ifs. Quickly I texted Dickson to let him know what was happening before I drew my gun, thankfully I hadn’t left it at the station.
As quietly as I could, I nudged open the door not seeing anyone through the crack, but I could hear someone in the kitchen. Slowly, carefully I moved further inside my own apartment. Something was different but I couldn’t place it. Nothing seemed to be out of place or trashed so I was confused. With my gun drawn, I rounded the corner and came face to face with my intruders.
“Hayden!” Mom squealed, spying my gun pointed straight at her.
“Fuck, Mom! What are you doing here?” I asked, my heart pounding as adrenaline flooded my body.
“Put the gun away,” she begged, still holding her hands up.
After checking the safety was on, I set it down on the counter and unbuckled the belt from around my waist before dropping onto the stool.
Someone came up behind me and thank God I’d already set my gun down because when their hand landed on my shoulder I almost spun around and knocked them out. Something that would have sucked considering I’d come face to face with my dad.
“You scared the shit out of me! I thought I was being robbed!” I told them.
“Sorry, Hayden. I told your mother we should’ve let you know we were coming.”
“Next time, probably the right call,” I suggested, regretting giving them a spare key.
Mom moved around the kitchen effortlessly, popping a pod in the coffee maker and getting a mug from the cupboard before sticking her head in the fridge and pulling out a jug I didn't know I owned. Or why it was in the fridge.
“How was your shift?” Mom asked, getting a skillet out and turning on the stove.
“Long,” I grumbled.
“You’re off for a couple of days now, aren’t you?”
“Yep.”
“Any plans?” Dad asked.
“Sleep.”
“Well, we’ll get out of your hair as soon as we’ve had breakfast.” Mom smiled at me as she dropped a spoonful of butter into the skillet and watched it sizzle.
