“Coward.” She’s scowling now, arms folded across her chest. “What do we do?”
“Probably best if we go back to your apartment, like you’re getting home after a date, and we find the mess.”
“That means we have to call the police and this is no longer a private matter.”
“I know, but if we don’t report it, she’ll know she’s the reason I’m here and we don’t want that. My cover should be that I’m a guy you dated briefly in college, we reconnected online, and I’ve come to visit.”
She sighs and rests her head against my chest. “We had such a good time tonight, I forgot all about this stalker situation. Now our whole evening is ruined.”
“Nothing is ruined,” I whisper, stroking her hair. “I’m going to catch this bitch and then we’re going to pick up right where we left off.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” I kiss the top of her head.
I don’t know if I can keep a promise like that, but I’m sure as shit going to try.
Chapter 12
Shannon
My apartment is a disaster. Whoever did this made a huge mess, overturning furniture, pulling down my curtains, dropping picture frames and even smashing a bottle of wine. We called the police and it took hours for them to assess the situation, take statements, and write reports. By the time they left, and Ace and I cleaned up the worst of the mess, it was nearly six in the morning.
I’m exhausted but determined to go in to work.
“Are you sure?” Ace asks at least a dozen times.
“I’m sure. I’m going to go in for at least a few hours, type out notes for my afternoon classes and see if we can either get a substitute or the other teachers can help out. Once they find out my apartment was broken into, I’m sure they’ll jump in. Then I can come home and take a nap.”
“I’m going to clean up while you’re gone,” Ace says softly, kissing my lips.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. You get through the morning and by the time you get home, I’ll have a new plan.”
“You sure?”
“Come on. I’m walking you to work.”
I have to admit, having him hold my hand as we walk the six blocks to the school is kind of sweet and romantic, despite the circumstances. When we pass Mr. Koelzig’s bakery, he stops us and gives us hot chocolate and pastries, on the house, his smile indicating his pleasure that there’s someone special in my life. I tell him about the break-in, and he immediately offers to let us stay in his guest room, and though we politely decline, I realize just how much I’ve settled into my life here in Cologne.
The idea that someone is trying to ruin it infuriates me.
“I can’t believe someone broke into your apartment,” Sandra says, coming in to take over my next class as I get ready to leave. “But I also can’t believe there’s a man in your life and you didn’t tell me.”
“We knew each other years ago, when I was in college. Nothing ever happened between us, but we reconnected through social media and he called me when he got to town. He’s here on business.” I’m a better liar than I thought because Sandra looks intrigued.
“Wow. What’s his name?”
“A-Andrew,” I say. I don’t want to lie, but Ace’s warnings about keeping his identity as much of a secret as possible rings in my head.
“Andrew what?” she presses. “Geez, girlfriend. Since when are you so cagey?”
I laugh. “I’m a little shaken up about the break-in. I’m so glad he walked me home last night.”
“You two were going to get naked, weren’t you?” she teases, lowering her voice.
I’m probably blushing but shake my head. “He’s a gentleman. I don’t think so. But maybe.”
