I placed her on the floor. As she begins to eat, I open the fridge, pour another glass of wine, and step out onto the balcony. I sit down and wrap myself in a blanket.
The night is cold. Autumn here carries a sharp chill, but the fresh air brushes my cheeks, cooling them as the wine settles in my body.
I look up at the sky. It’s so peaceful.
No car horns. No traffic. No screaming voices in the streets.
For the first time in days, I feel calm. The sun dips slowly, painting the sky with soft orange hues that make everything feel unreal, almost perfect.
Daisy finishes her food faster than I pour it. She trots onto the balcony and sits in front of me, watching closely and waiting for a treat.
I smile and lift her onto my lap.
“No treats for you, miss. The vet said you need to lose some weight.”
She barks in protest.
I laugh quietly, stroking her head as she leans against me.
Sometimes the price you pay for peace is the hardest one.
“Zayne Mercer,” I whisper. “I guess this is goodbye.”
His voice still echoed in my head. Calling me freckles. I have four across my nose, always hidden beneath concealer.
How did he even notice?
I close my eyes. Just as I exhale, a knock on the door snaps them open.
I can hear the footsteps pacing at the doorstep.
My heart begins to pound. No one knew where I lived.
I stand up slowly. Daisy growls from the balcony as I move toward the front door. She follows close behind me, her nails clicking softly against the floor.
The knock came again, three firm raps.
“Who is it?” I ask, my voice breaking as my hand hovers over the doorknob.
“Detective Kade Rourke,” he answers through the door.
“Not today, Satan,” I mutter, relief flooding my chest when I realize it’s justhim.I raise my voice as I walk away, not even bothering to open the door. Daisy remains planted in front of it.
“I have an update on the case,” he calls out, banging on the door two more times.
“Good for you,” I shout back, exhaling sharply.
“I’ll leave a file at your doorstep,” he says. “Read it and call me if you still want to treat Zayne Mercer.” His voice hesitates. “We’ll need your expertise.”
I roll my eyes as his footsteps fade.
After a moment, I return to the door and scoop Daisy into my arms. With my free hand, I twist the doorknob and pull the door open.
He is already walking away toward a blue Toyota Corolla. The paint on the car is peeling, and for a brief second, I almost feel sorry for him when he trips over a small rock near the tire. But he catches himself just in time by gripping the side of the car.
I lean down and pick up the file from the doorstep. As soon as it is in my hands, I hear the car start and pull away. I didn’t need to look up to know it was him driving past.
I close the door behind me.
