Stalking Her Sweetly - MINK Page 0,13

stay. But I knew it was for the best that I’d left.

Not only because it could get him killed, but I might end up burning down his house, too. I feel as though I’m an extra mess when I’m around him. He might not be for me, but it might be nice if he still lives next door and I can see him from time to time. I keep thinking about him as I walk up and down the aisles.

What if he has a girl over one day? He hasn't before, but he also hasn’t been there long. I shut him down last night. What if he’s looking for love and any girl will do? That thought doesn’t sit right with me. I stop walking and stare up at the axes hanging on hooks along the wall. I had no idea there were so many options. I reach up and take one, appreciating its heft. Who knows when I might need one? This is not related at all to Silas having a girl over one day.

Just what if one day I need to kill someone? Self-defense or something. Who knows? These things seem to happen to people. It would be better to have an axe on hand. For protection, of course. I drop the axe into my cart.

I think back to the suggested items I would need when I did the search on the computer at the library for making a lockpick set. A few things I have at home, but some I don’t. This is turning out to be harder than I thought it was going to be.

In the hand tool section, I stare at all the different blades and grab a jigsaw and hacksaw. I really should have paid better attention to Trevor’s lock. I’m just going to have to bring a few things to strongarm my way in if the lockpick doesn’t work. I wander around and snatch up a few more odds and ends before I check out.

“Can I get your number?” The boy behind the counter asks. I turn to look behind me. “Ma’am?” Oh, he’s talking to me.

“I have a boyfriend,” I lie. “He’s really sweet. It’s new,” I add in, thinking about Silas. What will it hurt? Now I’m a girl with a boyfriend if this guy is ever asked about me. All things that aren't true. That tiny fact will throw people off my trail.

“I meant to get rewards points.”

“Oh.” My whole face burns. “I was, um ... kidding.” I add a high laugh that demonstrates that I was, in fact, not kidding at all. Dying inside.

“I’m paying cash.” I drop the money onto the counter. He grabs my bills as I put my stuff back into my cart.

I notice the woman behind me is trying not to laugh.

“Here you go.” He gives me my change back. “This is for you if you and the boyfriend break up.” He writes his number down on the receipt and hands it to me. “Call me.” He winks.

I take it and shove it into my pocket before getting the hell out of there.

It isn't until I’m back home and inside that I finally die of embarrassment. That guy wasn’t even all super hot like Silas. He was all… My mind blanks, and I’m suddenly one of those people who can’t tell the police shit about the suspect. “Yes, officer, he was uh … I mean, he had very specific skin. Yes. Skin. Covered his entire body. Suspicious, if you ask me.”

I put some wet food out for a missing Toby before I get back to work putting my little lockpick kit in a small makeup bag. I check to make sure all the doors and windows are locked before I step out the back door.

“Do it.” I turn the lock on the handle and shut the door behind me, locking myself out of my own house. It’s the only way. Now I have no choice but to pick my lock, or I can’t get back in. I’m adding pressure. Seems like a good idea, right?

I’ve upped the ante, and getting this done is my only option if I want to get in my house. There’s no giving up. After all, Toby’s in there! Likely full now and sleeping, but still. He’s in there. Alone and needing pets. It’s up to me to deliver.

I drop to my knees and start to fiddle with the lock. I’m at it for one minute, and I’m already getting hot.