The Arrangement

Chapter 53

"You have to eat,"  Rory chastised me as he handed me a slice and a napkin.  "Even if you don't want to."

I nodded.  "It didn't even cross my mind."

"Your dad called today."

"Crap, I need to call him."

"Hey, I know you don't want to talk about it right now, but are you ever going to let us know what happened?"

I gave Rory a sad smile.  He looked like I'd just kicked his favorite puppy.  "There's going to be a media circus.  When the limelight is off of me, then yes, I will tell you everything.  At this point the less you know the safer you are."  I offered.  "But I really appreciate that you care enough to want to know."

"Anything.  You know if there's anything you need or want me to do, consider it done."  Rory added, earnestly.

"One of the many reasons you're my right hand."  I smiled at Rory.  I finished off my pizza and checked my watch.  "I'm going to get going. See you tomorrow?"

"Bright and early."

I left the site and headed to Nikki's place.  She had arranged an interview for me to break my "silence" and get the media off of my back.  It was going to be this Saturday and she wanted to get me prepared.  Caroline offered to let me wear a piece from her new line.  Nikki also had been insisting that I sleep at her place because it was easier to slip in and out and not be stopped by anyone.

The next day it was the same exhausting thing.  As I got home I froze when I opened the door.

The entire place was ransacked.  Fear gripped me and I called the first person I could think of.

"What Mikaela?  We're not supposed to be talking."  Trent reminded me and I felt my knees go weak as I slid down the wall.

"I'm sorry, you we're the first person I thought of."  I swallowed hard.

"Mikaela, what's wrong?  Has something happened?" Concern lacing his voice.

"Someone was in my apartment."

"Are they there now?"

"I don't think so.  I haven't checked.  I just opened the door and the whole place is ransacked." 

There was a long moment of silence then Trent more or less ordered, "Call the police.  Do not go in there.  I'm sending someone down right now."

"Trent, I'm sorry,"

"Ba-Mikaela,"  Trent cut himself off.  "Don't be sorry.  Just be safe.  Call your dad."

I nodded.  "Okay, I'll call the police then Dad."

"Be safe," Trent added before he hung up.

I called the cops then my dad.  Both said they'd be here soon.  I listened carefully, but all I heard was silence.  I didn't want to assume the person was gone and then let them sneak up on me, but I was fairly certain the assailant was long gone.

Dad got here before the police and he waited with me.  I told him that Trent and I were getting a divorce, but who knew what the future would hold.  He nodded in understanding, not demanding explanations.  My mother wouldn't have rested without them.  One of the many reasons I loved my dad.

The police came and got my statement and swept my apartment.  Once they gave me the all clear, they asked me to identify anything that was missing.  Jason showed up about halfway through the search.  "Mikaela, Trent called me.  You alright?"  He asked as he took in my trashed apartment and the police.

I nodded.  "Nothing much was taken.  A few pieces of my jewelry, my external hard drive, some other knick nacks."  I shrugged.

"Trent wanted to know if you're staying here tonight."

I shrugged.  "I don't know."

"Ma'am," one of the officers came over.  "Do you have somewhere else you can stay?"

My dad's hand on my shoulder was a warm and comforting presence.  "Yes, she does."

"Thanks Dad."  I smiled weakly.

"Well, the locks were picked.  We recommend anything of value, you take with you if you can, and get those locks changed as soon as possible."

"Thank you, officer."

"Ma'am, would there be anyone you can think of who might have wanted something with you?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"Let me give you my number. You can call and give me any details or anything important you remember.  We're finished here tonight."  He handed me his card.  "Have a good night, ma'am."