“We’ll have to go over the fence,” I murmured.
Bastian didn’t say anything, just gripped my waist and lifted me. I peered over the fence, didn’t see anyone, and climbed over. A second later, Bastian scaled the fence with an easy, practiced twist of his body.
We crossed the courtyard, where weeds were valiantly trying to grow through the cracks in the concrete. I saw Bastian eye the place, assessing.
“Sorry it’s not up to your lofty standards,” I said.
“I grew up on the streets. Once, this would’ve been a palace.”
I jolted. I knew a little of his history, but not the details. “You lived on the streets?”
Bastian being homeless and on the streets did not compute.
“I never had a home, little bird. I was abandoned at birth, went through the foster system, and eventually ran away. I figured I was better off on my own. It taught me to survive.”
My heart beat hard in my chest. That could’ve been me. If not for Ed.
Hell. That ugly, complicated mix of emotions hit me hard.
I focused on the apartment building ahead. That was all I needed to think about right now.
As I expected, there was a uniformed cop stationed at the rear door.
“Follow my lead.” I set my shoulders and fell into character as we approached.
“Sorry, folks.” The officer held up a hand. “This is a crime scene.”
“I live here.” I shot him a tremulous smile, trying to look small and nervous. His name badge said Croft. “It’s so terrible, what happened.” I swallowed audibly. “I live here. Apartment Fourteen.” I clutched my throat. “It could have been me.” I added some nervous fluttering of my hands. “People were really killed?”
The officer’s face softened a little. “Yeah, they were.”
“So terrible,” I whispered. “Thank you. For the work you do. For taking care of this terrible situation.”
The cop straightened and nodded. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“Um, I need to grab some things so I can stay with my brother tonight.” I jerked a thumb at Bastian. “Officer Ramirez said to find Officer Croft, that he could let me up if I was quick and didn’t go near the crime scene. Is that you?”
Officer Croft frowned. “Yes.”
“Do you need to radio Officer Ramirez? We can wait. I do promise to be quick. I need some clothes and my medication. I’ve got asthma.” I let out a little wheeze. “I don’t think I can live here again. Knowing what happened.” I turned to Bastian and leaned into him.
Croft eyed me, then waved at the door. “Go on up. You need to be quick and go straight to your apartment.”
I shot him a shy smile. “Thank you.”
Bastian and I moved into the stairwell, our footsteps echoing.
“You are good, little bird.”
“I know.”
Just as we reached my floor, a group of crime scene technicians in windbreakers headed down, carrying boxes and bags. We stood against the wall to let them pass.
We continued up to my floor. As we entered the hallway, I saw one last CSI walking out of an apartment ahead, talking to the uniform at the door.
I jerked to a stop.
“Lark?” Bastian shifted closer.
