Reclaiming Read Online Free Page B

me up here, he’ll meet us at your place once I text him the address.”
    “Oh, okay.”
    Even though Daniella drank more than she ordinarily would, she managed to not embarrass herself anymore that evening. As they drove back to her place, the pair made a bit more small talk.
    “So…” Marlon said as the pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building. “Any interest in going out with me sometime?”
    “Yes,” Daniella replied. “But, things are crazy for me right now. Maybe after they settle down a bit?”
    “Sure,” Marlon replied as he switched off the engine. “I understand. Look, if you have a boyfriend or whatever, let me know. I won’t bother you.”
    “No,” she said. “It’s not like that… It’s just… It’s complicated.”
    “No problem.” He replied as he handed her the keys. “You know where to find me. Anytime you want, drop by the bar and drinks are on me.”
    She smiled. “Thank you, Marlon.”
    As they got out of the car, Marlon ’s brother pulled up.
    “My ride’s here.” Marlon said as he gestured in the direction of his brother’s car. “Want me to walk you up to your place?”
    “No, thank you. That’s very sweet of you though.”
    “Okay, don’t let that get around now. If everyone knew what a softie I was, it could create problems for me.”
    Daniella smiled. “I understand. Don’t worry…” she said as she made a zipper motion across her lips. “Your secret is safe with me.”
    A few seconds later, Marlon jumped in his brother ’s car and drove away.
    ***
    Daniella walked about halfway up the flight of stairs and then stopped for a moment to watch them drive away.
    Once they were out of sight, she continued up towards her apartment. As she fished around in her purse for her keys, she glanced across the street and noticed that the undercover officers still hadn’t returned.
    He had to be in custody; it was the only thing that made any sense. She hadn ’t gone so much as a single day since his disappearance without the presence of a patrol car somewhere nearby. And now, nothing?
    Just then, Daniella felt a slight breeze against her cheek. Even though it was still the middle of summer, a chill was in the air. Winter came early to these parts and the wind always signaled the change. Perhaps, for once, a change for the better would blow in her direction. Maybe Marlon was the change she needed. She smiled at the thought of him. It was nice to feel that way about someone new again. Lord knows she needed the distraction.
    Keys in hand, she continued to the top of the stairs and down the corridor to her apartment. A few seconds later, as she inserted the key into the lock, a different chill hit her. She sensed a presence from behind and without a thought she turned to face it. A surge of adrenaline pumped through her veins as she cast a frantic eye in every direction. With shaky hands, she felt around in her purse for her pepper spray, found it and clutched it tight.
    “Who’s there?” She stammered.
    To her far left, a large planter in the corner shook back and forth. It was too dark in the hallway to make out anyone or anything.
    “Who is it?” She shouted in the direction of the planter. “I… I have pepper spray. I know how to use it. Don’t think I won’t. Come out!”
    But nothing appeared. The plant fell motionless. With a hard swallow, Daniella aimed the pepper spray canister in the general direction of the planter.
    “This is your last warning.” She proclaimed in an unconvincing tone. “If you don’t show yourself, I will use this. Also, cops are here pretty much day and night so if you are thinking of attacking me or whatever, you better reconsider!”
    She paused for any hint of acknowledgment.
    None came.
    “I am counting to three, whoever you are!” She exclaimed. “If you don’t come out, I will spray you. I swear, I will!”
    With a nervous stare, she peered into the shadows to see if she could detect anything. Satisfied that her