Chapter 15

"Jacob Fucking Nabrowski. It's about damn time you called!" Annie cradled the cell phone against her shoulder and applied another layer of pink to her pinky toe. "How's Michigan?"

"Not as fun as Chicago. It's great to see Mom and all, but I'm missing the crowded streets and the smell of Blommer's Chocolates when the wind blows just right." He sucked in a breath, as though he could smell the cocoa on the breeze. "So, how's it going there?"

Annie tightened the tube of nail polish and set it on the nightstand. The pungent chemical smell made her eyes water. "God, I wish we could trade places."

"Why's that?"

She leaned back into her pillows and fanned her toes back and forth to dry them. "Haven't you talked to Hudson?"

"I called her a few days ago, but we didn't talk for long. Why? What's going on?"

"Brace yourself." Annie sat up in bed and pulled her knees to her chest. "Someone broke into her apartment."

"Broke into her apartment?" Shock laced his voice. "Is she all right?"

"Well, she's shaken up." Annie touched her fingers to her forehead, running the tips along her brow. "She's got a small cut and a couple of bruises, but other than that she's fine." No point in telling him about the creepy letter. Or the gun. All it would do is freak him out. If Hudson wanted to tell their friend she could, but Annie wasn't about to go there. She'd probably already said more than she should have.

Jacob let out a quick breath. "Did they catch the guy?"

"Nope. He's still on the loose. But I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Hudson's in good hands."

"What does that mean? And why are talking in cliffhangers? I can't stand that."

"Because I'm a girl and that's what we do. What can I say? We love the drama." She smiled into the phone. "Our friend met a guy. And not just any guy—a cop guy."

"Hudson met a cop?" Jacob paused. "Did he respond to the break in?"

"Yep, and he is H — O — T. I mean, seriously. A total fuckin' heartthrob. Wish I'd gotten to him first. But he only has eyes for our Hudson."

"Damn! I go away for a few weeks and all hell breaks loose."

"Guess that'll teach you not to go away."

"Yeah, I guess." Jacob was quiet for moment. "So, how's Hudson doing? Is she handling everything okay?"

Annie shrugged one shoulder. "Considering. But she's been through tougher times than this."

"That doesn't make me feel any better."

"Look, we both know Hudson's not street smart, but she's a hell of a lot stronger than you think. She's been through some pretty fucked up shit in her life." Annie dropped her voice to a whisper. "I know things about her that no one else knows. She's not the girl you think she is."

She's broken. But Annie didn't say that out loud. It might sound insane. "She's a fighter. She has to be."

"If you say so," Jacob said slowly. "It's just ... she's so secretive sometimes. Like not even calling to tell me what happened."

"She probably didn't want to worry you, is all. Just pretend like you don't even know."

"Maybe." Another moment of silence stretched between them. "Do you think I should come home?"

"No. Absolutely not." She shook her head. "I've got this covered. And that cop is looking out for her, too. Don't you worry about a thing. I just thought you should know."

"Okay. Well, thanks for telling me. But I want you to call if anything else happens. I'll hop in the car and come right home."

She rolled her eyes. "Aww, aren't you sweet? And they say chivalry's dead."

"This isn't about chivalry. Hudson's my friend. You both are. I care about what happens to you two."

Annie was quiet as she let the words sink in. When was the last time someone said they'd cared about her? She knew people did. Jacob did. Hudson. Molly. Maybe even Stella. And her family, wherever the hell they were. She imagined they still cared. They had to, right? Even though she'd gone off the deep end and reacted in ways they might not understand. Hell, she didn't understand it herself. But it didn't mean they didn't love her.

So why the hell did she feel so alone?

Hudson ignored the phone the first time it rang, but when it beeped again half an hour later she decided to pick up. This time, she was glad she did.

"Hudson?" a male voice came from the other end. "It's Myles. I hope you don't mind me calling."

She smiled, her heart fluttering in her chest. "Of course not. I'm happy to hear from you." She walked to the open window and sunk into the chair next to it. A warm breeze pushed its way in and she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel as it caressed her face. "How was your night? Frank's not giving you a hard time because of me, is he?"

"No, not at all. In fact, just the opposite."

Hudson found that hard to believe. Myles' partner didn't seem the type to let things go too easily. And the way it appeared to her, he hadn't been very happy when he discovered the two of them had gone to lunch.

"I had a really nice time with you the other day," he went on.

Hudson's pulse thrummed in her ears. Myles had called just to say he'd had a nice time? A warmth spread across her cheeks. "So did I."

"I was wondering if maybe you'd like to get together again?"

She caught her lower lip between her teeth, lightheaded. "I'd love to. I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me again."

"Why wouldn't I?" He didn't give her a chance to respond. "I think you're amazing, and I'd love to get to know you better. I mean, if you want to."

If she wanted to? Hudson couldn't think of anything she'd like more. "I would. I'm just glad I didn't scare you off. It seems I'm nothing but trouble these days. With the break in, and that weird letter ..." She paused. "... and all the baggage I unloaded on you at the restaurant. I wouldn't blame you if you ran the other way."

"I don't think I could ever run away from you."

Was it her imagination, or did Myles sound sincere? It was hard for her to believe she made any guy feel that way. Hudson shifted in her chair, her legs sticking to the vinyl fabric. Even with the window open, the air inside felt stifling. It would be the perfect day to head out to the lake, but she'd promised Annie she wouldn't leave the apartment by herself. Normally, she'd invite her friend along. But Annie was across the hall, sleeping in her own bed for the first time in days.

You're so sweet," Hudson said finally, at a loss for words.

"Are you busy this Friday?"

The question caught her off guard. She hadn't expected he'd want to get together so soon.

"Wait," he added. "Before you answer, I should probably tell you we wouldn't be alone."

Hudson's eyebrows scrunched together. "What do you mean?"

"Frank invited us to dinner at his house."

She didn't hide her surprise. "Frank did?" His partner didn't like her, or at the very least, didn't approve of her. She could sense the older cop's hesitation towards her whenever he was around.

"Well, Ebony did. That's his wife." Myles paused. "Look, I know we barely know each other and I'm probably crazy for asking. But since it was Ebony's request, I feel like I should."

"But ... why would she want me to come to dinner? She doesn't even know me."

"I guess Frank told her about the break in. I mean, not your name, of course. We're not allowed to give out that information. But if you go, she would obviously figure it out. So if you're not interested I'd totally understand." Another pause. "Ebony's great. She's one of those Mother Hen-types who worry about everyone. But it's your call. No pressure. She's an amazing cook, too. Makes a mean Italian meatloaf. Not that I'm trying to lure you, or anything."

Hudson could hear the smile in his voice and she grinned, despite her uncertainty. A night out with Myles, Frank, and his wife. That seemed a bit intimidating. But she did want to see him again. So if going to dinner at Officer Williams' house was her ticket to spending more time with Myles, than that's what she'd do.

"Of course, Myles. I'd love to go."

"Great. I'll pick you up around six. Would that be all right?"

"That'd be perfect. Thank you."

After they hung up, Hudson stared at her phone for a long while, wondering where on earth all of this was headed.