“I’ll be next door,” Reed said, hardening his voice in what Damien assumed was supposed to be a threat.
“Thanks, Reed.”Harmony stared after the man for a minute, then focused on Damien.“What are you doing here?”
Damien took a step toward her but stopped and retreated.“I thought something happened to you.”
“So you broke into my school and lab?”
“I was fucking terrified.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.“Wow.”
“Wow what?”
She exhaled a breath and sat down.“It’s been a long time since anyone noticed if I was around or not, let alone cared.”
Damien dropped to his knees in front of her.“I care a lot, Harmony.I notice you.I…” Damien swallowed roughly.“When Marcus called and said the woman who followed you was dead, my first thought was about you.I tried to call you on my way to the station, and Marcus said he kept trying to reach you, too.I couldn’t sit back and hope you were fine.I had to make sure.”
“Thank you.”She reached for him, sliding her hand across his cheek.
He leaned into her touch, turning to kiss her palm.“I’m so fucking relieved you’re okay.”
“I’m fine.I promise.”
“I can’t… Is there a way to reach you when you’re here?A number for your lab or something?”Damien asked.
Harmony nodded.“There’s a phone in the lab.I’ve never needed to use it because…”
He understood.She never had anyone who called her.She never had anyone at all.“You have me, Harmony.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re really okay?”
She nodded.“Yeah.I… I’m sorry I worried you.”
“It’s okay.But the bad news is the police want to talk to you.”
“What?”she screeched.
“It’s fine.Do you remember the cop we met this morning?Pryce?”
She nodded.
“He’s handling the investigation.He needed to talk to me, too.Since we had a run-in with the woman, Pamela Mercer, he needs a statement.”
She breathed roughly.“I’ve never been questioned by the police.”
“Then it’s a good thing you didn’t do anything wrong, and they won’t think you killed her.”
She winced.“I’m sorry I asked if you did.”
“It’s okay.I should have phrased it differently.”
“No, you… It’s all me.”
Realization hit Damien, and he pushed to his feet.“Are you afraid of me?”
“No.Not at all.I promise you.”
