Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 353

Abby

The next few days feel like a blur. I can barely sleep, I can barely eat, and my mind is consumed with thoughts of nothing but my poor restaurant. My phone is ringing off the hook with a combination of calls from worried friends and nosey journalists; I choose to ignore the latter. And all the while, I feel like a tiger pacing in her cage.

The activity outside of my apartment has increased thanks to the press, and I can barely even leave the house. Yesterday, Chloe brought me some groceries, which she had to sneak through the back door.

I told her to go straight home after I paid her, because I feel like my apartment is a ticking time bomb. It doesn’t feel safe here anymore. I feel like I’m on display, all because of something that I’m sure was sabotage.

In the midst of my restless pacing this afternoon, I decide to call Officer Martinez, the police officer I spoke to when I provided my statement. She seemed sympathetic to my struggles, and I figure that maybe she has some updates on the investigation.

I dial her number and wait, my heart pounding in my chest as the phone rings. After what feels like an eternity, she finally answers.

“Officer Martinez speaking.”

“Hey, it’s Abby,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “I was wondering if you’ve made any progress with the investigation.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end, and I can hear the weariness in her voice when she replies.

“I’m afraid not, Abby,” she says gently. “We’ve sent the surveillance tapes in for analysis, but it’ll be a few days before we have any results.”

I let out a frustrated sigh, my impatience getting the better of me. “A few days? Officer Martinez, I understand that these things take time, but my restaurant could be shut down within that time frame.”

She sounds sympathetic, but her response is firm. “I know it’s difficult, Abby,” she replies, “but we have to be thorough in our investigation. Rushing things won’t help anyone. I would advise you to just lay low and wait for me to call you back.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside of me. “Thank you, Officer Martinez. I know you’re doing your best. I just... I can’t help but feel helpless in all of this.”

“I know how you feel,” she says, her tone softening. “But just trust me. I’m doing the best I can.”

I nod, even though I know she can’t see me. “I’m sorry. I’ll be more patient.”

“Don’t worry, Abby,” she adds. “We’ll get to the bottom of this. I believe you, even if no one else does.”

Her words are a soothing balm, and I let out a relieved sigh. It feels good knowing that other people are believing in me, even if my friends seem to think that I’m losing my mind.

“Thanks, officer,” I say with a slight smile. “I appreciate it.”

…

It feels like torture. Another day passes without hearing anything, and I feel like I’m going to lose my mind. I can’t even turn on the TV without seeing some news report about the horrific Alpha gathering.

But then, I’m sitting on my couch, trying to read a book although I’m not comprehending any of the words, when it happens.

My phone rings.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I throw my book down and practically leap across the room. “Hello?” I answer breathlessly without even checking the caller ID.

There’s a pause, and then a man’s voice on the other end. “Is this Abby?”