Page 26

Chapter Twenty-Six

Logan drove his patrols around the city. He’d thought about taking time off. His sergeant had even suggested it, but being out on the streets helped keep his mind distracted from all that had happened. Although being with AJ would have been nice.

He was thankful he kept his uniforms in his locker at the station—except for when one needed to go to the cleaners—so the fire hadn’t claimed them. As long as he didn’t think about it all too often, he was holding together fine. Even more than wanting to find the person who lit his house on fire, he wanted to find AJ’s stalker and bring the full extent of the law down on his head. They had several charges to put on him, if only they knew who it was and were able to link all of the evidence to him. Though that wasn’t looking promising.

Before his shift, Logan had talked to Adam and Amelia and, so far, the cameras weren’t leading to much. They had a lot more work to do with them, and the tech guy was doing his job to see if he could trace the signal. But while Amelia was hopeful it would lead to something, Logan hadn’t missed the skepticism on Adam’s face.

Turning down a neighborhood street near Lincoln Elementary, Logan kept an eye peeled for any hooligans up to no good.

Down another street, his headlights caught two shadowy figures dart across the road. In the driveway across the street, a trash can blazed.

Logan flipped on his lights, and over the loud speaker, commanded the teens to stop.

They turned and his headlights caught their faces. He’d seen these two around and knew their parents. “Zach and Brandon.”

Realizing they’d been busted, both boys’ shoulders slumped.

Logan got out of his squad car. “Put your hands on the hood.”

Zach said, “Yes, sir.”

Both boys obeyed, and Logan radioed it in. Officer Stillwater, the owner of the house with the fire, came out with an extinguisher.

“Thanks, Jackson. You caught them?”

“Sure did. You got the fire?”

He gave the affirmative.

Logan grabbed a second set of cuffs from his car. He hated having to cuff these boys, both of whom were only fifteen, but they’d put themselves in this situation.

He told them to sit on the curb. “Now I need some information from you boys, and if you talk to me I might be willing to help you out a little. You’re still in trouble, but maybe less if you are forthright with me.”

They both nodded.

“What is the deal with this dare?”

Brandon shrugged. “It’s just a stupid social media thing.”

“Then why do it? You aren’t stupid. What does it get you that makes it worth risking your futures?”

Zach said, “If the video goes viral, we’ll get a bunch of followers.”

“To what end?”

Zach shrugged.

“You do realize the number of these videos out there now reduces your chance to go viral?”

Brandon deflated even further. “I guess it was stupid.”

“Yeah. What if someone had gotten hurt?”

Brandon sat back up. “But nobody has. It’s just some trash cans.”

“Guess you didn’t hear my house burned down on Saturday.” Logan crossed his arms.

Zach said, “I heard about that. Everyone at the skate park today was talking about it. Nobody knows who did it.”

“Is everyone owning up to the other fires?”

“Yes, sir,” Zach said. “But no one knows about your house. Jeremiah was mad because whoever did it broke the rules of the dare.”

This was confirmation of the suspicion that someone other than a teenager targeted Logan.

Stillwater walked over and glared at the boys. “You two. Still sore about my telling you not to skate around the library where signs are posted telling you not to?”

The boys looked at the ground.

Logan said, “Is that why you picked Officer Stillwater’s trash can?”

The boys nodded.

Logan turned to Stillwater. “They’ve been informative about this stupid dare that’s floating around on social media.”

Stillwater crossed his arms. “Good. You two should be glad I was able to put it out easily.”

Brandon said, “We made sure we pulled it away from the house, so it wouldn’t damage anything else. Unlike the guys who got Cooper’s house.”

Logan glanced at Stillwater. “Did we get those kids?”

“Sure did. Arrested them at school on Friday.” He looked at the boys. “I thought that would convince you all to stop this nonsense.”

The sheepish expressions on the boys’ faces made Logan want to laugh.

Zach said, “They were in lockup all night.”

Logan nodded. “That can be arranged for the two of you too.”

Brandon pleaded, “But we didn’t catch the house on fire.”

“Yeah, but it’s still arson. You set a fire on purpose with the intention of destroying property.” Logan stepped toward the boys and lifted Zach to his feet. “To the station with you two.”

Stillwater took Brandon and, once both teens were secured in Logan’s squad car, motioned for him.

Logan stepped out of earshot of the boys and joined Stillwater, who said, “I’m fine if you just call their parents and don’t book them or anything, especially if they were helpful.”

“I can do that. I’ll give them a stern warning too.”

“Please. This has got to stop.”

“Agreed.”

Logan took the boys to the station and pretended to book them, putting them in holding while he went to call their parents.

Once they were on the way, Logan went to the boys and sat on the bench across from them in the holding cell.

“Now here’s the deal, guys: we’re gonna let you go. Your parents are coming to get you, but if you ever do something like this again, you’re going to be in more trouble than a skateboarder face-planting on a cactus.”

They both delivered a sincere yes, sir.

“And one more thing. Can you two do me a favor?”

Brandon jumped on it. “Whatever you want.”

“Let me know if you find out anything about other kids involved in these pranks, especially if you ever hear anything about my house. And encourage your friends to cut it out.”

“Yes, sir.” This one was more emphatic than the last.

Logan led them out to the lobby where their parents met them. He didn’t envy those boys tonight. The likelihood they’d be at the skate park any time soon was slim.

AJ sat up from where she’d been dozing on Granny’s couch. She’d heard something, although she had no idea what. She reached in her bag for Harry, but the cold polymer did not meet her hand. She didn’t have the pistol. Because she didn’t have her concealed carry license, she couldn’t carry it out and about, so she’d left it in her apartment.

She listened but didn’t hear anything more.

It was only eleven o’clock. She had another hour before Zara even got off duty. Granny had gone to bed a while ago. With a shift starting tomorrow morning at seven, AJ needed to get some sleep, but she wasn’t about to go into her apartment on her own. Logan and Will were going to come home with Zara to secure it before the women went to bed.

Lying back down, she tugged the blanket up under her chin but couldn’t go back to sleep. Her mind spun with the idea that someone was out there hunting. Okay, maybe they weren’t hunting her but wasn’t that the next level of escalation this guy would likely take?

Adam had been very straightforward with AJ about the typical progression of stalking. He’d also told her he made a point to talk to Daryl this morning. Though Adam said he’d kept it casual and non-threatening, he’d been ready to slap Daryl in cuffs and bring him in if necessary.

But it hadn’t been. Daryl had denied any involvement other than the comments at the grocery store and out the car window. And he had shown Adam surveillance from his convenience store to corroborate he couldn’t possibly be the one who’d delivered the gifts on Friday.

Despite her doubts the stalker was Daryl, AJ didn’t know who else it could be. No one else had shown interest in her. And why would anyone? She wasn’t trying to be self-defeating, but it didn’t compute.

At least she was strong and had a clue about defending herself. Thinking about what maneuvers she would do if someone snuck up behind her, she finally dozed again.

She was dreaming about kicking a masked figure in the gut when her phone rang an hour and a half later. It was Logan.

He’d called her. Her heart sped up even faster than the pounding after being woken up from a crazy dream.

She answered, “Hey.”

“We’re about to pull into the driveway.”

“Thanks for the warning. I don’t have Harry with me, but if I did I wouldn’t want him to say hi to you.”

“Umm … Harry?” The unease in his voice was blatant.

“Oh right, you haven’t met my Smith & Wesson.”

His sigh echoed over the phone. She tried not to laugh out loud.

“I’ll meet you outside.”

They hung up, and she slung her bag over her shoulder. She exited the house through the back door, making sure to lock it behind her.

Waving to her friends and husband, she walked toward them but stopped.

Something was wrong.

She spun around. No one was there. But she had the distinct feeling of being watched.

Logan came up beside her. “What’s wrong?”

“I felt like someone was over there.” She pointed toward the darkness that hid Granny’s garden.

Will came over and shined a flashlight on the area. “I don’t see anything, but I’ll check if there is any evidence of someone traipsing about.”

“Thanks, Will.” AJ turned to Logan. “Work was okay?”

He nodded.

She wanted to greet him with a kiss, but she wasn’t sure she should. They hadn’t kissed good night or goodbye when they saw each other that morning. Just those intense ones in the kitchen yesterday.

Zara came over to them. “Staring at each other is cute and all, but I’d love to go to bed.”

AJ’s face warmed, and she looked away. “Same. Let’s get upstairs.”

Will came back. “I didn’t find anything. But I got a weird feeling, so let’s be on guard while we go up. I’ll go first.”

Zara looked at AJ. “Do you have Harry?”

AJ shook her head.

“Okay. Logan can take the rear.”

The four of them went up the stairs. The door didn’t show any signs of tampering, but it hadn’t when the cameras were installed either.

Zara unlocked the door, and Will and Logan went inside, sidearms drawn, ready to engage. Will flipped on the light.

Both men gasped as the women came in behind them.

The apartment had been trashed.

Logan said, “You two wait here. We’ll make sure no one is inside.”

As the guys cleared all the rooms, AJ took in the space. Two cartons of ice cream were turned over on the kitchen table, oozing everywhere. The cushions were off the couch and oddly dispersed throughout the room. Every last one of her books were now upside down on the bookshelf.

“All clear,” Logan called. “AJ, come here.”

She carefully stepped around the random things strewn across the floor and found Logan on the threshold to her bedroom. “What?”

Her room was backward. The creep had not only been in her bedroom, but he had rearranged all of her furniture. Her bed was on the opposite wall from where it had been, as were her dresser and desk.

And all of her underwear and socks had been dumped on the bed.

But as violating as that was, it wasn’t even the most shocking part. On the wall, written in oozy red, were the words: I still see you .

A shudder rippled through her body.

“I think it’s ketchup.” Logan opened the closet door. “He messed with this too.”

All of her hangers had been turned around, plus the clothes had been switched to the opposite order from what they had been in.

Her skin felt like it was going to crawl right off her body. Some creep had touched all of her things. “What on earth?” AJ wrapped her arms around her middle.

Logan shook his head. “This is the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. I have no idea what he was thinking.” Logan walked over to her, and she accepted his embrace.

She was so grateful for his strength and comfort. And glad she wasn’t having to cope with this alone. A dreadful thought burst into her head. “Oh no.”

“What?”

She let go of Logan, ran to her nightstand, and opened the drawer. Her StopBox was missing. “No!”

“Again, what?”

“Harry’s gone.”

“He stole your gun?”

She nodded.

“Hey, guys?” Will called.

AJ and Logan left her room and found Will standing outside the bathroom.

He said, “Look at this.” He stepped aside, giving them a clear view of the bathroom floor. It was covered in … shampoo, soap, conditioner, shaving gel. It was as if he had opened every bottle and emptied them onto the floor. In fact, that was exactly what happened.

Zara came up beside AJ. “How do we even clean that up? And I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I can sleep here knowing some creep has been messing with our stuff.”

“How bad was your room?”

“Eh. A few things put in random places, but nothing like yours. However, the kitchen is a hot mess.”

It was all too much. AJ gripped Logan’s arm to steady herself.

Will said, “I have an idea. Take pictures and call Adam or Amelia.”

AJ snapped photos with her phone while Logan called Adam.

Will went to the kitchen and came back with several large spoons, spatulas, and cups, then started scooping up the puddles of soap. “I’d leave it, but it could damage the floorboards.”

AJ grabbed some towels and, once Will cleared the area in front of the door, she laid down the towel so he could go farther in. Eventually, Zara and Logan joined Will, and AJ went to let in Adam and the CSU team.

She walked them through what had happened, including the missing firearm, and the team collected evidence. About an hour later, CSU finished and left, leaving Adam behind with AJ and her friends.

They all worked to clean up the mess, and it was in decent shape by four in the morning. She needed to be at the station in three hours, but she could not sleep in the apartment.

She was flipping her books back when Will came to her. “I’m going to take Zara to my parents’ house to get some sleep. Do you want to come too? You are more than welcome. You know how my mom is.”

She checked her watch. “At this point, I think I’ll go to the station and sleep with ear plugs in. That way I can get the most sleep possible before my shift starts. But I appreciate the offer. I can always go to my dad’s too.”

Will nodded and walked away.

All five of them left the apartment utterly exhausted. The emotional toll was as much as the physical. But AJ couldn’t get over how much she appreciated the people God had put in her life.

AJ rolled over in the bunk at the fire station. Someone was touching her shoulder.

“Morning, sunshine.” Emily. The young, cheery EMT held out a donut on a small paper plate.

AJ popped the earplugs out of her ears.

“I found your note to wake you, but Ty demanded I wait another hour. I made sure the guys saved you one of these.”

“Oh, sweet dear. You are my favorite person today.” AJ swung her feet off the bed, sat up, and took the donut. “Not just for the donut, but for listening to Ty and giving me more time. I’m so tired I could scream.” Completely disregarding the nasty taste in her mouth, she took a generous bite of the chocolate-iced pastry.

“Been there. A fresh pot of coffee is waiting for you too.”

“Definitely going to need that.” AJ finished the donut and got ready for the day.

Ten minutes later, she walked into the living area.

Don said, “Look, someone actually decided to come to work today.” He winked at her.

She simply shook her head, not acknowledging what he said. After getting her coffee, she mulled about, seeing what everyone else was up to for the morning. When the coffee was gone, she deposited her cup in the sink, and Brennan came around the corner and tossed her a football.

“No one will throw the ball around with me, but I need to start practicing for that Thanksgiving game if I want to be quarterback.”

She chuckled. The entire department had been joking all year about having a football game for Thanksgiving, but considering the day would most likely be busy with kitchen fires, they were talking about playing the game the Saturday before.

“Fine. Let’s go.” AJ had never been close to her brother, but one of her favorite memories was when he taught her how to throw a football.

She and Brennan went out front, then to the side yard of the station. During their shifts they were expected to get some level of exercise in as time permitted, and this counted.

She tossed him the ball.

He caught it. “Go long.”

She ran down the area where they liked throwing the ball. It was shaded from the bright sun by tall oak trees. AJ caught the ball and quickly released it back to Brennan in a perfect spiral.

The longer they tossed it back and forth, the more she felt like she was being watched. It finally distracted her enough that she missed one of Brennan’s throws. The ball bounced off her hand and rolled toward the trees that lined the side of the fire station’s property.

She jogged after it. Once she’d grabbed the football, AJ glanced up.

A face stared back at her from behind a tree.

She jumped. And screamed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Eric?”

“Hey, AJ. Is this the fire station you work at?”

“Yes.”

Brennan ran up beside her. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, this is Eric. He scared the tar out of me.” She looked back at Eric. “What on earth are you doing back here?”

He pointed over his shoulder. “I’m working on the cable lines over there. I dropped a nut and it bounced. I need to find it.”

“We can help you look.” She stepped closer.

“No, it’s fine. Oh, look, there it is.” Eric leaned over and reached his hand to the ground. “Got it. We’re good. Didn’t mean to bother your game.”

“It’s no bother.” AJ watched Eric hurry away. That was incredibly odd.

Brennan said, “Did you see him actually pick anything up?”

“No. Is it just me or was that strange?”

“It was more bizarre than an OMC song.”

She gave him a confused glare.

“Never mind. You’re too young.” He jogged away, backward. “Toss it.”

She released the football, and they resumed their exercise. But the disturbing notion that Eric had been watching her didn’t dissipate from her mind. Was he her stalker?