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“Dahlia! Are you in there? I saw you come up!” More knocking.
“She’s a friend,” I tell Ryker.
“Are you sure?”
I nod. “My neighbor.”
He offers me a single nod, puts the handgun behind his back, then pulls open the door.
Susie comes rushing in, her hair in a messy bun. “Dahlia! I have been so worried!” She eyes Ryker, then turns to me, clearly noting the bruises on my face. “What happened to you? Did he—”
“No, no. Ryker is a friend of mine. I was in an accident. He saved me.”
Susie still eyes Ryker up and down before rushing over and pulling me in for a hug. “I was so worried, Dahlia. When you weren’t answering your door, I thought the worst.”
“I’m fine.” I smile at her. “But I do have a couple of questions if you have time?”
“Of course, though I’m not sure I can help much.”
“I can’t remember the last two weeks.”
Susie stares at me. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. Think you can help me fill in some blanks?”
“I can certainly try. Do you want to come over for some coffee?”
“I would love that.” I glance back at Rocky. “Do you think Angelica would be open to fish-sitting Rocky for me for a bit? I’ll tell you why soon enough.”
“Of course, honey. I’m sure she would love to. I’ll go get the coffee started. Come over as soon as you’re ready.” She glares at Ryker again, then slips out into the hall.
“She does not like me.”
“Well, to be fair, I look like I took a few hits, and she’s never seen you before.”
“Protective?”
“She is. Angelica is her eight-year-old daughter. I’ve watched her a time or two. Do you think you can grab Rocky? I’ll get his food.”
Chapter 12
Dahlia
“You really don’t remember anything?” Susie questions. I squirm in my seat, honestly hating that I’m the center of everyone’s attention.
Thankfully, Angelica is in her room, getting Rocky settled—her words—but Susie’s husband Frankie walked in the door a few minutes after we did.
“Not for the last two weeks,” I tell her.
“You poor thing.” She looks over at Frankie, then turns back to me, eyes shimmering, expression full of pity. He wraps an arm around her shoulders, and she leans into him.
The love between them is so full that it hangs in the air of this apartment. Love. Family. It’s something that I always hoped to find. But honestly? The hope of that started going out the door even before someone drove me off that bridge.
“Thanks.” I plaster a smile on my face, hoping it will trick my body into not producing tears. I can cry later. Right now, I need to focus.
“Has there been anything strange happening around her apartment? Have you noticed any men lingering? Anyone who seems to be watching the building?” Ryker questions.
Frankie shakes his head. “I haven’t noticed anything. It’s been quiet around here. Susie?”
