“You were right.Someone followed her into the bathroom.And the same woman followed your date when she left the restaurant.”She showed Damien a still of the woman’s face.
Damien didn’t recognize her, but that didn’t matter.“Did you send this to Captain Patrick?”
“I did.He said he’s going to call you.”
Damien’s phone vibrated as she spoke.“That’s him.Thank you.I appreciate your help.”
The manager nodded.“You’re welcome.”
Damien answered the phone as he stalked toward the front door.Patrons and servers moved away from him, giving him space to exit the restaurant without obstruction.
“I just saw the picture.”
“Do you know her?”Marcus asked.
“No, but if she followed Harmony, she could be in danger.”
“I was thinking the same.I’m sending a car to her apartment now to do a wellness check.”
“I’m on my way there, too.”
“Good.It’ll be good for her to see a friendly face.”
“Not if she’s worried I’m involved in whatever sent her running.”Damien started his SUV and pulled out of the lot.
“You think that’s what happened?”
“It was a damn good date until then, so I hope so.”
Marcus chuckled.“I guess I should say congratulations.”
Damien snorted.“Yeah, you called it.She’s pretty great.”
“I understand the feeling.Let me know if she’s okay.”
“I will.Thanks, Marcus.”
“I hope the rest of your night is less eventful.Or maybe more.I don’t know what I should be hoping for, but stay safe.”
Damien laughed.“I will.”
Marcus hung up, still laughing as he did.
Damien focused on the road, driving as fast as he could without breaking any laws to get to Harmony’s apartment complex quickly.When he pulled in, he circled the lot until he spotted her vehicle.He parked next to it, noting the police hadn’t arrived yet.
Damien scanned the parking lot as he walked to the door and didn’t notice anyone outside.He needed a key to get into the building.He could easily pick the lock, but he wanted to minimize his criminal activity when the police were on the way.
The call box next to the door was generic and plain.It didn’t have names for residents, but Damien knew Harmony lived in apartment 2C.If something sent her running, and it had anything to do with him, he was fairly sure she wouldn’t open the door to let him in.But he had to get inside to make sure she was okay.
Damien started hitting buttons, hoping someone would open the door without bothering to check who was buzzing.He nearly shouted when the door in front of him clicked to let him in.He grabbed it before it locked again and stepped into the building.
The first floor was quiet.Damien walked up to the second floor, taking a minute to figure out which way Harmony’s unit was.He followed the path around a corner and spotted the woman from the restaurant coming down the hallway toward him.
She spotted him at the same time and stopped.
Damien took a step toward her, and she turned and ran the opposite way down the hall.
“Stop!”Damien shouted, taking off after her.He sprinted down the hallway, watching apartment numbers as he went.He saw 2C and hesitated.
