CHAPTER1
CADENCE
There isno day I hate more than April Fools, mostly because people do dumb shit to themselves and each other, all in the name of fun. By the time I finish my shift, I’m ready to plonk my ass on the sofa and watch TV, while trying to figure out the best way to break up with my boyfriend.
I knew something was up a few weeks after we moved in together, but it was nothing I could identify. I don’t want to be that cop who investigates her boyfriend just because something feels off.
I walk up the block to our apartment. It’s a good area, low crime, but it means I have to travel forty minutes to the precinct each way. He owns the place though, so I shouldn’t complain.
At first, I loved being taken care of and showered with gifts. It was like being in a movie or living some kind of parallel life. He takes me to parties and such and then I go to work and walk into a very different world.
To be honest, while I suspected something was wrong, I didn’t want to look too closely because I enjoy feeling special. He’s a businessman, he works odd hours and does deals in other languages.
Who doesn’t want a boyfriend who can whisper in their ear in some sexy other language?
Because of his job, he travels and is out of contact for a few days at a time…all normal. And he always returns with fabulous presents. Yet instead of being happy at his return, my gut now tightens.
My feet slow as I approach the building. I don’t even want to tell him I’m leaving because I’m worried how he’ll respond. Ideally, I’d pack my things and leave while he’s at work, but he works from home unless he’s travelling.
I’m not sure if I can wait for him to leave next week.
The doorman greets me, “Evening, Miss Blake.”
I smile and nod and make my way in. While I wait for the lift, I fiddle with the bracelet on my wrist. He bought it for me, and my best friend Gabby knew how much it was worth with one glance. Until I spoke to her this morning, she’d been wanting to meet, and date, his friends.
In the lift, I close my eyes to fight down the nausea at the memory of last night.
Doug had taken a call and left his laptop open, and I got up to grab a drink while the TV show was paused. The text on the screen was all in another language, but I wasn’t interested in the words. It was the photos of the women on the website that caught my eye. He was looking at women—who I can only assume are escorts—while sitting next to me.
I didn’t say anything last night.
I didn’t know what to say.
I still don’t know what to say.
The lift opens and I take a moment before stepping out. Gabby said I should confront him, and demand answers. It might have been innocent like a company website listing staff, but not even she sounded convinced.
It’s not nothing. I’m a cop. I’m familiar with suspicious behavior, and I have learned to trust my instincts.
When he got off the call and came back, he muttered something and changed the screen. I was staring at my phone as though absorbed in my social media so he wouldn’t realize I’d seen. A part of me thinks that might be dangerous. Not that he’s ever given any indication of violence before.
Maybe he’ll be out, and I can leave tonight.
Yes. That would be perfect.
As soon as I open the apartment door, it’s clear I’m not that lucky.
“Can you change? I am meeting some people for dinner, and I want you with me,” Doug smiles as he knots his tie.
Sometimes I go. But they usually talk business, discussing acquisitions or shares or whatever they are buying and selling, while I feel like a table decoration or made small talk with their partners.
“I’d rather not. It’s been a long day.” I toe off my runners and kick them to the side so they are out of the way. If he goes out for a few hours, I’ll be able to pack and leave. I should tell him we’re done.
If I hadn’t been so dazzled by his wealth, I might have listened to my gut sooner.
Or if we hadn’t moved in together, it might not have become louder.
Doug takes my hands. “Please, I love having you there.”
