Page 13 of Colton On Guard

“My front door is wide open,” she said, her voice shaken. “I know I locked it when I left for work this morning. What if whoever broke in is still inside the house?”

Heart pounding, Genna sucked in her breath. Inexplicably, her eyes filled with tears.

“I’m calling the police.” He immediately dialed 9-1-1.

“But—” She gripped his arm.

Still giving information to Dispatch, he shook his head. “A unit is on the way,” he said. “You stay right here with me until they arrive.”

Though she struggled to keep herself from shaking, she did as he asked. Her legs would likely be too weak to carry her anyway.

In less than five minutes, two squad cars pulled up, lights flashing. Parker grabbed his umbrella and got out in the steady rain, crossing over to her side. Before he could open her door, Genna joined him. She kept her rain hood up, even though he made sure to keep his umbrella over her, which she appreciated.

The policemen got out slowly, taking care to open their own umbrellas. Genna waited patiently, glad of the time to collect herself before explaining to the officer what she’d seen.

“I’m glad you didn’t go inside,” the one officer said once she’d finished. “Let us take a look and make sure it’s safe.”

Genna nodded. She stepped closer to Parker, aware he’d think it was to make better use of his umbrella. She would have given much to have the right to let him put his arm around her and pull her close. They both watched silently as the officers disappeared inside.

“Why my parents’ place?” she asked, proud that she managed to keep her voice steady. “I mean they’ve owned this house for thirty years and never once had a break-in. Not just that, but there’s very little of value inside. They aren’t big on updating. The only thing new is the TV and those aren’t even that expensive anymore.”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “I’m sorry this happened to you.”

He still didn’t touch her. While she understood, she really wished this time he would make an exception. Just this once.

A few minutes later, both police officers emerged. “We did a thorough search. No one is inside and, quite honestly, nothing appears to be damaged or missing. Are you absolutely positive you didn’t leave the door ajar and maybe the wind blew it open?”

“I’m sure,” Genna responded. “And the front door looks damaged to me. Like someone kicked it in. Even from here, I can see that part of the frame is broken.”

“High winds can also do that.” The officer scratched his head. “It seems kind of odd that anyone would bother to kick your door in and then not touch anything.”

She bristled, but decided it would be best not to respond.

“I take it you don’t have any kind of burglar alarm?” the other officer asked, his expression kind.

“No,” she replied. “I’ve been thinking about getting one ever since that serial killer started going after local women. Now I really wish I’d gotten one installed. I’ll start making calls first thing in the morning.”

The older of the two policemen nodded. “Now might definitely be a good time to do that.” He handed Genna his card. “Call us if you need anything.”

Accepting it, she thanked him.

She and Parker stood silently and watched them drive off.

“Do you want me to walk you inside?” Parker asked.

“Yes, please.” Feeling extremely vulnerable, she clutched at his arm. When he covered her hand with his, her heart squeezed.

“Stay near to me,” he said, tugging her a tiny bit closer. Then they stepped into the house.

“Wow,” he commented. “It’s very neat. I get why the police officers thought no one could have broken in.”

“Yeah, I get it. It’s also very dated. Since I’m housesitting for my parents, I’ve been afraid to change anything.”

“Late nineties?” he asked. “Just to hazard a guess.”

“Let me put it this way. This room looks exactly the way it did when they brought me home from the hospital for the first time. They’ve never bought anything new.”

She pointed to the couch, covered with one of her mother’s old comforters. “When things wear out, they simply cover them up. I guess they like the comfort of having everything stay the same and familiar. That’s why their decision to move to Hawaii was such a big shock.”