Page 37 of Dead Pretty

“Look, I’m going to go downstairs to the super’s place and see what’s happening with the lights. Do you want to come with me?”

Do I want to stay in my pitch-black apartment, alone with the dead rat and God knows who else? Or go downstairs with Jack?

“Let’s go.”

I close my apartment door behind me and walk down the darkened hallway with Jack, using his light to guide the way.

Aside from the nerves flitting around my chest from being in the near dark, that ugly emotion that I hate so much starts to work its way in there too. Guilt.

“Jack?”

“Yep?”

“I’m, uh … sorry that I punched you.”

I hear a chuckle and then, “Apology accepted. You got me good though. Pretty sure I’ll have a bruise there tomorrow.”

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“Where did you learn to hit like that?”

“Krav Maga. I took some classes a while back.”

“They clearly taught you well. I’m impressed.”

We’ve just reached the stairs when the lights flicker back on, blinding me.

“Jesus.” I blink rapidly, trying to adjust to the brightness. I squint up at Jack, who seems to have no trouble adjusting to the light at all.

He smiles at me. “Guess that saves us a trip downstairs.”

“I guess so.”

We both turn and walk back in the direction of our apartments.

We reach Jack’s door first.

“Sorry again.” I gesture to his face as he opens his door.

He smiles again. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not the first time I’ve been punched. Won’t be the last.”

I laugh softly. “Night, Jack.”

I walk the short distance to my door. Remembering exactly what is waiting for me inside it.

My anxiety ramps up.

It’s just a dead rat. It doesn’t mean anything bad is going to happen. I have to go back in my apartment at some point.

It’s not like I can stay out here all night.

I’ll just carry my rape alarm with me while I do my usual apartment check. And dispose of the rat.

I reach my door.

I didn’t lock it.

I never forget to lock it.