I crossed the space and came around until I was facing the drawers. I tried them but found my luck had run out. All of the drawers were locked.
I banged my fist on top of the wooden surface in frustration.
What was I going to do now?
I sunk into the leather chair and placed my head in my hands. If I couldn’t get my hands on cash, I would need something else worth trading, but what?
Someone of Dash’s status would have to have something of value lying around…
Jewelry!
I rushed for his bedroom ignoring the fact that I had just been reduced to petty theft. Considering what was at stake, I was willing to take the decimation of my character.
The large walk-in closet held all that I needed. I perused the watches and took what looked like the least expensive though I was sure they were all worth a pretty penny.
I resisted the urge to celebrate before the true victory was won and slipped out of the apartment.
All the way down, I held my breath, waiting for someone to jump out to stop me, but no one came.
When I made it to the parking garage, I quickly located his car and slid into the leather seat. I immediately felt out of place. The car looked as foreign as a space ship to me.
I started the car and carefully drove away, smiling only on the inside.
I did it.
Now for the risky part…
My destination was the local university Sheldon had attended. Using the built in GPS, I made it there in just less than fifteen minutes.
The next part took longer than expected. Everyone was wary of the unknown girl asking to buy a product that would surely land them in jail for the rest of their days, but eventually, I scored what I came for and sped all the way back to the apartment.
I rehearsed in my head the next step and ignored my sweaty palms. This part was particularly hard because it involved Keiran directly. I had to get him here without making him suspicious. If he blew me off and warned Dash, then Buddy would die.
I only had a few days left, and Keiran and Lake wouldn’t be back for the Christmas holiday for a few days. By then it would be too late.
I made it back without getting caught and made my way to the bedroom. All the fucking, planning, and sneaking around had done me in, and no sooner had I laid down, I was out like a light.
Shortly after, the low beep of the front door jarred me from my sleep as if it were the sound of a bomb detonating. The clock on the nightstand read that it was just after midnight. Had Dash come back?
Maybe he’d come to torture me more with his presence.
My toes sunk into the plush carpet as I shook off the remnants of sleep. I felt as if I could go a few more hours, but the silence leftover from the door opening was spooking me.
Hesitant steps led me to the front of the apartment, and I was scared shitless by the sight of Keiran standing at the door wearing all black. The dark hood over his head shielded his expression, but the energy drifting across the space was enough.
It took seconds too long as we stared at each across the large space that wasn’t large enough. I managed to find my voice along with a little misplaced courage. “What are you doing here?”
His hand rose to push back the hood, and I could see his eyebrow lifted as if asking a question. “Something tells me you needed me here.”
I fought to keep my voice neutral and guilt free. “I wouldn’t know why.”
“Don’t you?”
“Dash isn’t here,” I offered lamely.
“I know.”
“So?”
He inhaled and exhaled as if annoyed and disappeared inside the living room. I looked toward the door that was left open and thought about bolting.
Instead, hesitant feet moved against my will guiding me to the living room where Keiran sat absently scratching his chest where his bullet wound would have been if it weren’t for the tattoo of Lake’s name. She said it was a reminder. Of what I didn’t know or care.
“Come sit,” he ordered and patted the couch next to him.
I wanted him gone, but it was now or never.