The Consequence by Karin Tabke Read Free Book Online Page B

she thought it and made his way over to it. She hurried to her cellphone and quickly called Simon as she rushed back to the door. Grabbing an umbrella from the closet, she slid it through the door handles, then shoved her face back to the peephole and watched as Evan dug around the planter looking for the key.
    “Hello,” Simon’s deep voice said.
    Backing away from the door, Katy whispered. “He’s here, Simon, Evan’s trying to get in my apartment and he knows where I hide my key!”
    “Barricade the door then run to your bedroom. Lock the door then lock yourself in your bathroom, I’m sending men right now. Don’t hang up, baby, stay calm.”
    Hastily she dragged the kitchen table and chairs in and shoved them against the door then hurried to her bedroom, locked the door, then locked herself in the bathroom.
    “I’m locked in my bathroom.”
    “Good girl. Did you take care of what I told you to take care of?”
    “Elliot isn’t home.”
    “Do you have the items with you?”
    “Yes.”
    “Fill the bathtub with a few inches of hot water, turn the devices on and dump them in the water.”
    Katy did as she was told.
    When it was done she got back on the phone. “Mission accomplished.”
    Loud banging on her door startled her. She screamed.
    “Those are my men, princess, open the door,” Simon calmly said.
    “Are you sure?”
    “One hundred percent.”
    Katy had never been so happy to see cops. Not that she didn’t like cops, she did, especially her hot cop, but sometimes cops had a way of being intrusive.
    They moved her kitchen furniture from the foyer back to where it belonged then settled her and reassured her she was safe.
    Just as she was about to ask the Sergeant where Simon was, he strode in. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. His commanding presence shadowed those of the uniformed officers. She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms and holding on for dear life.
    His warm strength and low reassuring words were the soothing balm she needed, but it also made her realize how vulnerable she was. What if Evan had broken in? If he knew what she’d done, he’d do anything to protect his own butt.
    According to Simon, he’d probably try to kill her, and she’d have no clue how to defend herself.
    “Did they catch him?” she asked.
    Shaking his head, Simon answered, “He must have taken the stairs when he heard the elevator bell. There was no trace of him when the officers arrived, with the exception that your door was unlocked and slightly ajar.”
    Katy pulled back and looked up at him. The strong column of his throat tightened.
    “I put an umbrella through the door handles on the inside.” She turned to where it lay on the tile near the front door.
    “He must have used the key, and slid it out,” Simon said. “There was no sign that he tried to force entry.”
    “He knew where it was in the planter,” she said. “I need to get my locks change tonight.”
    “I had one of the uniforms call a locksmith, he’s on his way over now. Evan won’t be able to get into your apartment with a key. But the downstairs door is another story.”
    “It’s electronic. I should have had his key deactivated. I’ll have Rosie do it tomorrow.” She looked shyly up at him. “Would you like one?”
    “Key?”
    “Yes.”
    His features softened. “I thought you’d never ask”
    “We’re all clear, Capt’n.” One of the uniformed cops said.
    “Thanks for getting over here so quickly, Kinder.”
    “Just doing my job, Captain.” The cop nodded to Katy then headed out.
    “Those are San Francisco cops. Why do you call them ‘your guys’ if you work for Santa Clara County?”
    “We’re all on the same team, Kat.”
    “I thought you were going back to Santa Clara. Where were you?”
    “At the federal building, presenting my case for a subpoena.”
    “Oh.” She was no dummy, but—“So this thing with Evan, you’re personally working on the case?”
    “There’s been a task force in