Page 105 of Bossman

“Seems like it was a false alarm. Your building lost power for a few minutes, and the surge when the backup generator kicked in might have sent a false signal. It’s not uncommon. Your apartment is still locked, and there’s no sign of breaking and entering.”

I felt Owen stiffen next to me when the policeman said breaking and entering. His arm had been on my shoulder as the officer spoke, and he pulled me to him, protectively.

I turned to him. “Did you get all that?”

The officer’s brow furrowed.

“My brother is deaf,” I explained. “He was reading your lips.”

Officer Caruso nodded. “If it’s all right with you, we’d like to take a look inside and just make sure everything is okay.”

They had no idea how all right that was with me. The officer took my keys and asked us to wait outside while they did a search. A few minutes later, they opened the door.

“It’s all clear in here. Like we said, it’s pretty common for power surges to trip these alarms. We just need to fill out a report and get you to sign it, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Thank you.”

Inside, even though the officers had inspected the place, I still needed to do my own search. While they sat in the kitchen and filled out the report, I discreetly did my usual routine. I was good at concealing it, having concealed it from every date I’d ever brought home. Except for Chase.

I took off my shoes as an excuse to open the hallway closet, then shut myself in the bathroom and ran the water to cover my shower curtain check. Finding all clear in the bedroom, I returned to the living room just as Owen opened the front door.

Chase stood in the hallway, bracing himself against the wall as his chest heaved. He looked at Owen and then found me over his shoulder.

“Chase. What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Is everything okay?” He was really winded.

“Yes. Why? What’s going on?”

“The alarm company called. They weren’t able to reach you, and I’m listed as your backup contact. I told them to call the police and came as soon as I could get here. Are you sure everything is okay?”

I opened the door wider so he could see the police in the kitchen behind me. “The police inspected, and they think it was a false alarm from a power surge. The building is old and loses power occasionally. There’s a backup generator, but it takes a few minutes to kick on, and apparently that can cause a surge and a false alarm.”

“Do you want me to double check for you?”

I gave him a reassuring smile, even though I didn’t feel very sure of myself at the moment. His presence was making my already racing heart palpitate. “I’m good.”

Chase looked at Owen, then back to me. His jaw was rigid. “If you need me, just call.”

It would do him good to wonder, so I didn’t mention that the man he was eyeing was my brother.

Instead, I said, “We’ll be fine. But thank you for coming. I appreciate it.”

And just like that, he was gone.

After Owen and the police left, I spent the night tossing and turning, trying to figure out what Chase’s appearance tonight had meant. It was nothing. He probably had a sense of obligation because he was listed with the alarm company. He would have done that for anyone, I was sure. Yet…there was no mistaking the jealousy in his eyes when he’d looked at Owen.

He’d wanted an explanation.

I didn’t think he deserved one.

Since my mind was whirling and not going to let me go back to sleep, I decided to get my lazy ass out of bed. I hadn’t been to the gym in weeks, and the sun was already up anyway.

After a quick cup of coffee, I pulled my hair into a ponytail and threw on some yoga pants and a cropped workout shirt. I grabbed a zip-up sweatshirt from the hall closet before walking out my door.

My eyes darted all over the street before I exited my building. Last night had made me hyperaware of my surroundings. Otherwise I might not have spotted it.

Spotted him.