Page 120 of Levi

I pick up my pace.

“You, over there,” a cop yells at me, “this area is restricted.”

“My girlfriend is in there,” I shoot back.

“You have a hearing problem? I said, this area is restricted,” the cop barks. “Unless you have a business in the area, you need to keep walking.”

He just handed me my opening.

I approach him.

“As a matter of fact, I do. My girlfriend and I own a business together. Our office is located right over there,” I point.

“I’ll need to see some ID and proof,” he tells me.

I pull out my driver’s license and pull up a copy of the leasing agreement on my phone, showing my name and Jules’s. I hand both to the officer.

He inspects them carefully.

He nods, satisfied, and hands them back.

“What happened?” I ask.

“I’m not at liberty to say,” the cop tells me. “It’s still under investigation,” he adds.

“Can I go to my office now and check on my girlfriend?”

“You’re sure she isn’t over there,” the police officer points to a group of people huddled not too far. “A bunch of people came rushing out after the incident.”

I search the small grouping.

“No, I don’t see her,” I tell him.

He nods. “Make it quick. We’re going from building to building. We want to keep the area clear and we’re searching for witnesses.”

“I understand.”

I run as fast as my legs can carry me.

This is a fairly isolated part of Culver City at night, since the buildings surrounding us are all old warehouses converted into offices and studios. It’s a different story during the day, but most everyone is home at this time of night. The sophisticated security system and cameras were huge selling features to the building we leased. Considering the value of our high-end exercise equipment, it’s a must. I thought we had all our bases covered in preventing any possible theft. I never thought we’d need protection against the carnage I just witnessed.

When I reach Jules’s office, my panic kicks up several notches.

A quick inspection of the building fills me with dread.

Some of the windows are shattered.

The sight snaps my heart into two.

Please, God, no.

Then it hits me.

I left the set of keys to her office at my studio. I didn’t think I’d need them tonight.

Panic assails me all over agin. My airway cuts off and I stare at the doorknob, helpless. I jam my fingers through my hair and pull hard. My mind races as I hurry through my options. My blood pressure roars in my ears, right along with the alarming sirens telling me to get inside this goddamn office by any means necessary because Jules needs me. She could be injured, or worse...

Shit. Shit. Shit.