Nick turned to where the tall, thin officer was pocketing his pen. He moved away from Celeste. “What’s the verdict?”
The officer shrugged. He’d introduced himself as Officer Henley when he’d first arrived. “Just looks like a random act of violence. Nothing in the house was taken, searched through, just the dog.” He nodded towards the sliding door.
“But it’s not the work of an amateur cuz there aren’t any prints.” Nick rested his hands on his sides as he looked at the officer.
Officer Henley blinked. “How’d you know that?”
“I heard the other two cops talking about it.” He shrugged.
Officer Henley sighed. “Right, now we don’t know who it was.” He folded his notebook. “It could have been some kids who were smart enough to wipe up their prints….or it could have been someone wearing gloves.” He shrugged himself.
“Do you think it’s connected to the rape?” Nick had informed the officers that had responded about what had happened. And what he thought.
Officer Henley ran a hand through his short, peppery hair. “There’s nothing that leads us to assume that. No threats, no warnings, no notes.”
Nick sighed. “But don’t you think that’s just a bit weird that this happened the very next day?”
The officer shook his head. “Mr. Carter, I’ve seen weirder. It’s just a coincidence.”
Nick blew a puff of air out his lips. “Okay, then what do you suggest?”
“What do I suggest?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah, to ensure Celeste is safe in her home. So something like this doesn’t happen again.”
“Well….I’d think about installing an alarm system. Getting a sliding bolt for the door, so it can’t just be opened.” He sighed. “And just being careful and keeping an eye out on your surroundings.”
Nick nodded. He should have known they wouldn’t be of much help. “Thanks.”
“No problem. Feel free to call us again if anything else occurs.” He smiled gravely then moved away, calling to his men that they were ready to go.
After they’d left, Nick sighed and sank down into a kitchen chair next to Celeste. He reached over and rubbed her knee. “You okay?”
She shrugged, her gaze never wavering from the floor.
“Come on, let’s get your stuff. While you’re doing that I’ll call someone to come clean the place up.” The police hadn’t left it very clean, and the carpet needed to be scrubbed. And just the smell of death banished from the place.
With Nick’s help, Celeste rose from the chair. Together, they made their way back into Celeste’s room, where Nick pulled out a duffel bag. “Go ahead and start packing. I’ll be right back.” He waited until she’d pulled open her dresser before leaving her.
After arranging for someone to come over, he dialed another number and lifted the phone to his ear again. A voice answered on the third ring.
“Yo!”
“AJ?”
“Nicky, what’s up?” AJ’s voice flowed through the line.
Nick sighed. “It’s not good. Listen, I need you to do me a favor.”
“What’s wrong?” AJ could detect something in Nick’s voice.
“Someone broke into Celeste’s place and killed her dog. Left it laying around for us to see.” He began to explain.
“Man…..” AJ commented. “That’s sick. Who would do that?”
Nick shrugged. “The cops think it was just some kids or something. They weren’t able to get any leads.”
“I’m sorry bro. What do you need me to do?”
Nick leaned against the kitchen counter. “I called someone to come clean the apartment. But I don’t wanna hang around while they do it. I just want to get Celeste out of here. So, do you think you might be able to come hang over here until they’re done? Then lock the place up?”
AJ was silent for a moment. “Yeah, I can do that.”
“You sure? If you don’t wanna I can call someone else.” Nick offered.
“No, it’s fine Nicky. Just give me directions and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Nick informed him of how to get to Celeste’s place, then after thanking him profusely; he hung up and made his way back into the bedroom.
“We almost ready to go?” He questioned upon entering the room.
Celeste turned from where she’d been packing the bag, her vacant eyes met his.
Nick sighed and sank down on the bed, reaching out and rubbing her hand. “Someone’s going to come clean the place while we’re gone. AJ’s gonna come over and lock up after them. It’ll be okay.”
She just watched him, her eyes searching his face.
“Come on.” He stood up. “What else do you need?”
Ten minutes later they were done packing. Nick carried her bag out and set it on the table. “Okay, you’ve got everything?”
She nodded, biting her lower lip.
He nodded and checked his watch. AJ should be their any minute. He only lived about ten minutes away. “Good, now we just have to wait for J.”
As he spoke there was a knock on the door.
“And that would be him.” Nick smiled then moved to the door, opening it. “Hey J.” He greeted the darker skinned man.
AJ nodded as Nick stepped aside and allowed him to enter. “Hey.”
“Thanks for doing this.” Nick closed the door.
“No problem.” AJ glanced around the apartment. He spotted Celeste standing by the table and smiled. “Hey.”
She didn’t respond.
“Okay, they should be here soon, come this way and I’ll show you what they need to do.” Nick waved AJ to follow him and headed into the dreaded living room.
Ten minutes later, Nick had Celeste’s bag slung over his shoulder, and was heading out the door. He paused and looked back at AJ. “If you need anything, call me.”
AJ nodded. “I’ll be fine Nick. I’m just gonna watch a little TV till they get here.”
“Okay. Thanks again.” He smiled.
AJ returned the grin. “Yeah, you just remember that now, you owe me one.”
Nick nodded. “Yeah, and that’s something you’ll remember, and hold against me, isn’t it?”
“Hell yeah.” AJ’s smile grew. “In good time though bro, in good time.”
Nick shook his head. “Alright, we’re going. Call me when you get back home.”
AJ nodded. “Sure thing. Bye.”
“Bye.” Nick closed the door slowly behind him and turned to Celeste, who stood waiting. “Alright, let’s hit the road.”