Chapter Two
Frankie
“While it appears to be a human heart, it’s more likely this is a cruel prank and it’s a pig’s heart. They’re incredibly similar in size so we will need to send it to forensics and have it analyzed before we can give you more information,” the officer says between smacking the wad of gum between his teeth.
Neither of these options put me at ease. Someone sent me a heart. A real fucking heart, in a gift-wrapped box. I’m sitting on my couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around my shoulders, my trembling hands running through the soft fur on Cosmos’ back. Shoulders to tail, I repeat the process as if I pet him long enough, I’ll feel better. Or this will all go away. I don’t spook easily. I’m a horror junkie who can binge-watch scary movies, alone, with all the lights out then go to bed and sleep like a log. But this? This has me shaken with fear. My mind turns over all the possibilities of who would be cruel enough to send me such a thing.
There’s a handful of cops inside my apartment, taking statements and photographs. The heart in a box and handmade valentine have already been removed. Officer Gum Wad informs me all of this is standard protocol. There was no forced entry. No death threats. The last boyfriend I had was over a year ago, and last I heard he’s in jail for car theft. I don’t date and besides the odd night out, I mostly keep to myself, which means no suspects.
“Do you have anywhere else you can stay, miss? Just until we’ve ensured the building is secure and we can interview any possible witnesses? While there doesn’t appear to be any foul play, it's important we cover all the bases, and one of those would be your safety and well-being.”
I clutch Cosmos tightly to my chest and slowly shake my head. Sure, I have some neighbors and co-workers I’m friendly with, some I’ve spent time with outside of work, but I don’t really have any close friends I would call in a crisis. And my family? Well, that’s another story altogether.
“I need to go to work.” I’m late. Hours late. And while I called Cynthia and she seemed to understand, she also didn’t sound pleased. Head cake decorator calling in on a holiday would be a disaster. I told her I would try to get in as soon as possible, and now I’m thinking being busy at work to get my mind off of this is exactly what I need.
The officer offers me a sympathetic look. He's an attractive man, likely in his early thirties, with mid-length sandy blond hair and a five o'clock shadow that makes his hazel eyes a more prominent feature. “I would advise against that, miss. It would be best if you took a few days off. I’m sure you’re shaken up by the whole ordeal.”
“I appreciate that. But I think I would feel best if I went about my day as I normally would. Besides, my work is counting on me to be there. Unfortunately, there isn’t anyone who can fill my position today.” It’s not a lie. While we have others who fill in on my days off, I usually make sure to have any custom orders already completed in the fridge, that way they’re only responsible for last-minute orders and keeping the displays filled.
“If it would make things easier, I can see if my neighbor next door can mind my cat and I can stay in a motel for the night.” I hate the idea of leaving Cosmos home alone. All these people in our apartment have him just as much on edge as I am. But I’m sure Martha wouldn’t mind if I brought over his litter box and food bowl. She’s helped me out a few times when I’ve been in a tight spot.
He eyes me for a long time, sighing and looking around my apartment, contemplating my suggestion.
“Barde,” an older cop hollers, motioning for him to come over. Barde holds up his finger to me before backing away to talk to him. They’re speaking in a hushed tone and occasionally looking over at me hunched on the couch, still running my hand up and down Cosmos’ back. I can't hear what the hell they’re saying, but something in the pit of my stomach tells me the ramifications of this is not good.
“So, here’s the deal. You go to work. You stay at a motel for a couple of nights. Just until we can get all of this straightened away.” He goes fishing in the breast pocket of his suit coat, pulling out a card and handing it to me. “If you have any concerns or anything else you can think of, anyone who comes to mind, that’s my number. If you can’t reach me, there’s a twenty-four-hour hotline on the back that will put you through to the front desk. They will put you in contact with an officer on duty.” He lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We will do our best to get to the bottom of this, Miss Clarke.”
***
Sorting through my clothes, I grab whatever is on top. Tomorrow was laundry day, so I’m really working with slim pickings here. I hastily pack a duffle bag, stuffing enough clothing into it to get me through the weekend. Running to the bathroom, I swipe some stuff from the vanity, grabbing my body wash, shampoo, and conditioner from the shower. I dump the toiletries and makeup on top, not bothering to separate anything.
Dropping the bag by the door, I gather up the cat food and litter box as well as enough supplies to keep Cosmos occupied and out of trouble while I’m gone.
Picking up the massive ball of fur, he twists and jerks in my arms, growling low and angry as if he senses he won’t be spending the weekend in the comfort of his own home. He’s miffed. Me too, bud.
Carrying him next door, my arms wrapped tightly under his hind legs and head. He is hell-bent this isn’t happening and protesting loud enough that he’s bound to wake the entire third floor if they weren’t already disturbed by the police being at my apartment this morning.
I knock a couple of times before Martha opens her door, dressed in her standard nightie and floral housecoat, fluffy, blue slippers adorning her feet.
“Hi, dear.” She offers me a gentle smile, the type of smile that warms your heart and makes you feel safe. Martha is an elderly woman, and a widow. She’s the type of person you would want to be your grandmother because she’s kind, and understanding. She never judges, but she’s always willing to lend an ear and give you advice if you need it.
“Hi, I’m so sorry to spring this on you.” I walk inside quickly because if I don’t, Cosmos is gonna leap from my arms and bound down the hall, and I don’t have the time or the patience to chase after him today. As soon as the door closes, I drop him into a chair before he scoots away to hide under the couch. Yeah, he’s not happy.
“It's alright. You know I enjoy his company, once he loses the attitude, of course.” She chuckles as she shuffles into the kitchen to put the kettle on.
“Tea?” she asks as she pulls two cups from the cupboard, setting them on her table with a bowl of sugar and creamer. She drops a few tea bags in the little yellow, knitted, cozy-covered tea pot.
“I wish I could. I’m already late for work.” I lean against the wall separating the kitchen and living room and watch as Martha busies herself, popping a slice of bread in the toaster while she waits for the kettle to boil.
“Want to talk about what happened this morning?” she asks as she pulls the jam from her fridge. So, she heard the commotion this morning—or the police have already spoken to her. I didn’t tell her much when I called her, only that I had an emergency, asking if she could watch Cosmos for a day or two.
I look down at my uniform, at my green shirt that’s still untucked, and twist the material in my hands. It feels surreal. Like if I pinch myself hard enough, I'll wake up and realize it was all just a wicked dream and not my reality.
Sensing my hesitation, Martha turns to look at me. “It wasn’t trouble with that ex of yours, was it?”
“Myles? No, that fucker’s still in jail last time I checked.” Myles was my last boyfriend, and he came with a shit ton of baggage. He didn’t lay hands on me, but we had some verbal matches that always worried Martha. She threatened to kick his ass herself a time or two.
She walks over to where I’m standing and grabs hold of my hand, rubbing it soothingly with her thumb. “If you need anything, I’m here. And don’t worry about Cosmos. In about an hour, he will be out from under that couch and basking in the morning rays, belly up.”
“You’re an angel, you know that?”
“Ha! My sins in the seventies would prove otherwise.” She winks, and I think I love her even more.