The Wilde Stranger

Chapter 3

three

. . .

Sadie

What a night. What a night! I clutched my beloved camera tightly in my hands and climbed the steps to my apartment.

I knew something was off before I even hit the landing.

Mrs. Clemin's flower wreath was crooked on the door, and someone had kicked over the plastic bucket of empty cans Hal always left out for the homeless man who collected them for cash.

Cola and orange soda cans were strewn along the entire corridor.

I started picking them up and hadn't really looked at my door until I neared it to reach for a can.

I glanced up and stepped back with a gasp.

It was ajar. I'd definitely locked it. I leaned my head close to the opening and listened carefully for any sound.

The only thing I heard was the annoying airplane-like noise my refrigerator made.

I pushed open the door, tiptoed to the light switch and dropped firmly back on my heels.

"What the fuck?" I didn't have much, but what I did have, an old couch, a shelf filled with books and a wall covered in some of my better photos, had all been ransacked.

My apartment was trashed. The violation of my stuff sent a shiver through me.

Could Gregor or Buck or their team have already figured out where I lived?

I'd mentioned to the bouncer that I was with Sports World.

A few minutes on Google would have given them a name and a few more would provide an address. Thanks, internet.

I willed myself to check the bedroom. The same mess, but this was worse because my underwear was thrown into the mix. Strangers had handled my panties.

"Shit. Those fuckers." I picked up the two expensive lenses and spare camera I had stowed in my equipment bag. They seemed to be intact. Hopefully, the creeps weren't coming back. I pressed a hand to my stomach. I felt sick. What if they did return?

I sent a text off to Gigi.

I've got to stay on your couch a few days. I'll explain when I get there.

I raced around the room, swept up some clothes and underwear and stuffed them into my empty backpack.

The bag had traveled with me all over the world.

I always felt better when it was on my shoulder.

I tossed some of my bathroom necessities on top and hurried out the door.

I locked it but realized just how meaningless that little tradition was when you had people who could just break in.

Gigi's text came back as I raced down the stairs. My camera was still around my neck. I would probably sleep with the damn thing dangling there. I needed to get to the darkroom at the office, but something told me my intruders were already watching the place.

I threw my backpack in the car and pulled the massive sweatshirt tighter around me. For some reason it felt protective, and I could smell the hot guy's nice soap on the worn fabric.

I got in the car and checked my phone.

Can we make the slumber party another night? I've got Noah here.

I need to stay, please. Matter of life or death, and I'm not being dramatic. I'll explain when I get there.

Idropped the phone on the seat and started the car. My phone rang. I picked it up sure it was Gigi, so I didn't bother looking at the screen.

"I told you I'll tell you when I get there."

There was breathing on the other side.

"Gi?" I glanced at the phone. It was an unknown number. The knot in my stomach grew tighter.

"Gonna need that picture. That's all."

"You fucked up my place," I barked back.

Click. He hung up.

Gigi answered the door in a skimpy midriff and underwear. "Shit, get in here. What the hell is going on? And talk quietly, Noah fell asleep." Her eyes dropped down. "Nice sweatshirt. Are you shopping at the giant store now?"

I glanced behind me. On the drive over, my eyes had constantly scanned between my rearview and side mirrors. I wasn't prone to paranoia, but tonight's events had unlocked every dreadful scenario imaginable.

I dropped my bag near the couch. Good friend that she was, Gigi had already placed a pillow and blanket on the cushions.

"Want a glass of wine?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen. She picked up an open bottle and poured some in a glass. She held it out for me.

"No, as good as a slug of alcohol sounds right now, I need to keep my wits about me."

"Well, shit, I'm going to need a glass just to hear your story." Gigi walked over to the couch with her wine, and we both plunked down. "You look and sound totally freaked. What's going on?"

And as she asked the obvious question, I realized I couldn't tell her. I needed to keep this secret to myself. It wasn't safe to involve her. I could give her a few vague details without saying much, but I knew she'd prod me for more.

"I have a photo on this camera," I started.

She laughed. "Wow, you drove over here like a madwoman to tell me that your camera has photos."

"Come on, Gi. Look, it's an important photo. A life-changing one for both me and the subjects on the film." That knowledge had been nagging at me since I'd snapped the picture. It would mean certain ruin for the two fighters. That was a moral obstacle that I'd have to deal with.

Gigi drained her glass and set it on the coffee table. She turned to the side, tucking her bare feet behind her. "Did you get that killer shot? The one you're always talking about?"

"I sure as hell did. Total accident. Not expected at all but it's big."

Gigi smiled enthusiastically. "What is it? I'm dying to know."

I sighed. "I can't tell you."

Her mouth shifted side to side in annoyance. "You're kidding. It's me. Your bestie. The one who just left a very hot man in her bed to make up a nice comfy couch for you."

"You said Noah was sleeping."

"Trust me, it won't take more than my warm breath on his face to wake him right back up. That man can go all damn night and the things he—"

I held up a hand. "No details needed." I glanced at her front door. "Did you lock that? Are your windows locked?"

Gigi blinked at me. "What the fuck have you done, Sadie? Am I in danger now, too? Just what the hell is on that camera?"

"I don't think I was followed."

"You don't think? Not exactly reassuring," she said loudly.

"Shh, Noah's sleeping," I reminded her.

Gigi unfolded her long legs and thumped her feet hard on the ground before snatching up the empty wineglass.

"I'm going to need another glass." She walked to the kitchen and poured more wine.

She stayed in the same spot and downed it right there at the counter.

"The least you could do is explain to me what the hell is on that camera that has you asking about locked doors and windows.

I mean is some crazed mob boss gonna come knocking down my door? "

I laughed. "Mob boss? What century did you just step out of?"

"Oh, excuse me, but my best friend pushed inside my apartment looking as if the Texas chainsaw murderer was after her, so it has me, I don't know, wondering just what the hell is going on?"

"It's not a mob boss or a mass murder situation. I'll tell you more at some point. I just need to crash here tonight."

She sighed loudly. "Fine. But I hope you can sleep. I'm feeling wide awake now, so I'm going to wake Noah and well, things might get pretty wild. In fact, I'm going to cry out extra loud just to annoy you, bestie."

"Punishment accepted. Thanks again, Gi." The bedroom door snapped shut, presumably loud enough to wake her sleeping partner.

I placed the pillow at the end of the sofa.

Gigi was into mid-century modern so her couch was one of those sleek, hard sofas with big buttons all over the cushions.

I wriggled and scooted between buttons as much as possible.

I was still wearing the oversized sweatshirt.

I considered taking it off but instead pulled it closer around me.

I had no idea why but the stupid garment made me feel safer.

I even shut my eyes for a second and imagined the hunky guy's arms still in it as I swaddled myself in the hoodie.

He was definitely hot, and I was supremely grateful to the man for hiding me.

I was sure my camera would've been lying in a million pieces on the cement if the handsome stranger hadn't stepped in to help. I might have been lying there as well.

It occurred to me that getting rid of the picture wouldn't erase the fact that I knew their very big secret.

It was actually kind of sweet and sexy knowing that they had to behave like enemies when everyone was looking, but alone they were lovers.

Only this time, they weren't alone. I'd intruded on their passionate, private moment, and now I had a photo that was going to make my career and hopefully a few bucks, too.

The money mattered less than the notoriety, the recognition I'd finally get for my work.

Dad would finally see that his only daughter could be as important as his sons.

I shoved the camera between me and the sofa.

If they came for it, they'd have to drag me out with it.

I stared up at the ceiling of Gigi's apartment and counted the water spots.

She had a terrible landlord. My lids grew heavy as I considered what to do next.

A safe deposit box for the photo, that was the last idea that floated through my mind as sleep started to tuck itself around me.

I was almost down for the count when Gigi's cries of passion jarred me awake again.

I lay there, staring at the water spots and listening to the sound effects of what must have been some amazing sex.

I turned to my side and pulled the pillow over my head.

Gigi mentioned something about Noah having a lot of stamina.

I had a feeling I wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.