Page 14

Riley leaned over her bed and made sure the window was closed.

“Just over a year—I don’t know—more. I didn’t ask. Forgot.” She dropped her face into the bedspread and just stayed like that for a second, everything muffled.

“This friend had better fucking exist or I’m calling your dad myself. He specialized in this kind of stuff, Riley,” he said through gritted teeth.

“I know what my dad’s job was, Andrew.” He didn’t hear her. Cybersecurity was Dad’s specialty, and sure, she could have called him. But he’d worry and tell her mom, and she didn’t want to put them through that.

They were just starting to enjoy their retirement.

“And then I’m coming over. I’ll bring the guys.”

“Not necessary.” A bunch of drunk, off-duty cops in her tiny apartment? Hard pass.

“This is ridiculous. If this so-called friend exists, then she should have come to you sooner and you should have called me. You know better.”

She breathed in and held it, the lemon of her detergent filling her nose. She counted to four. Let it go.

“You gonna help m—her or what?”

She could hear him pacing around.

“Block the number. Do not engage. Keep your eyes open for patterns of escalation—you know this. A year is too long for something like this to go on. It’s going to escalate if it hasn’t already.”

“Yeah, I—yeah. I just wasn’t sure if there was something else the police could do.” Wishful thinking. Riley’s voice got quieter as her breathing took up less space in her lungs. She twisted around to sit on her bed and closed her eyes.

“They can try to get a restraining order if they have evidence of intent. Threats, referencing assault. But without a clear threat… we’ve got bigger problems we’re dealing with.”

Andrew was right. She already knew this, as he’d pointed out, so helpfully. Cascadia PD had a lot going on with managing the bikers and all the gangs and actual crimes.

The bikers manage them… realistically.

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll tell her. Thanks for your help.”

“I can come over—”

“No.” Riley shook out her hands. This was a good reminder of why they weren’t together. Andrew might be in therapy now, but nothing had actually changed. What did you think would happen?

He sighed. “I don’t agree with this.”

“Didn’t ask you to.” You broke up with me, remember? “I’ll let you go. Have a good night.”

“Riley.”

“Bye.”

She hung up. She took one moment to sink into her self-pity and rage, then stood.

Time for damage control. Despite his multitude of flaws, Andrew loved his mother. And talked to her. About everything. Gloria was best friends with Riley’s mom.

Guilt twisted through her chest as her fingers flew over her phone.

Riley: Hey Mom, funny story. I talked to Andrew and he misunderstood some stuff I said, so if you hear anything from Gloria about stalking, don’t freak out. He didn’t really let me explain. It was a joke.

Mom: Okay sweetie. Andrew feels very protective of you. Glad you two are mending fences.

Riley: We’re not. Nothing’s changed. I just didn’t want you and Dad to worry if Gloria called you all wound up.

Mom: Okay. Hope everything is good. We’re watching TV. <3