Page 38 of Tinsel Time Treasure

Both Annie and Grace looked at us as we entered the living room.

“Ready?” Annie asked.

Justin nodded. “Yeah. I only packed enough for a few days. I’m gonna try to crash at a friend’s place once he’s back in town.”

“Ok,” Annie said, understanding that we’d already discussed things in the bedroom. “Do you remember what I said to tell the front desk when you check in?”

“Yeah. Have them make a note to deny that I’m there if anybody calls.”

“That’s right. And if they give you any problem, have them give me a call. I’m still friends with the manager.”

“Ok.”

“We’ll walk you to your car,” Annie said.

“Thank you,” Justin murmured.

“Call if you need anything,” I added.

“I will.”

We all walked out, but it was Justin’s expression as he turned off the lights that almost broke me.

He would be safe again, I would make sure of it.

Chapter 13 - Justin

The rest of the night passed in a blur. Annie confirmed that there was another tracker hidden on my car. Then I made it to the hotel without issue, where the staff guided me safely through and to a back door. After that we all ended up at Annie and Grace’s house for several hours, just in case my apartment was being watched.

By the time Annie dropped Max and I back at the apartment complex I was ready to pass out. Unfortunately, there was still one thing to do.

“Justin?” Kaleb asked as he answered the phone. “What’s up?”

“I need a favor,” I sighed, too tired to think as I slumped on Max’s couch.

“What happened?” he asked, knowing me too well.

“That costume party mistake reared its ugly head again. I’ll tell you more later, but for now… can I set up cameras in your apartment and pretend to be hiding there?”

“Pretend? Go ahead and stay as long as you need.”

“I… I think he’ll try to break in there too. The cameras are for a trap.”

“Too?” There was a pause. “Oh no, you’re telling me everything.”

“Can I catch you up when you get back? I’m exhausted.”

He let out a long breath. “So let me get this straight. You want to pretend to stay in my apartment… because you think the guy from Halloween will try to break in?”

“Yeah?” I offered.

“Only because I love ya man. I’ve already moved the most important stuff to Frankie’s, so there’s nothing to really worry about.”

“Thanks,” I breathed. “You have no idea what this means.”

“I know you’d never ask if it wasn’t serious. You still have your key?”

“Yeah.”