Beyond the Stars and Shadows by Kristen Martin

Author:Kristen Martin [Martin, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Falcon Press
Published: 2021-05-10T22:00:00+00:00

25

AN UNEVENTFUL SLEEP is just what the doctor ordered. I wake feeling fully refreshed, calm, and at ease . . . until yesterday comes hurtling in like the meteor strike it was. I look to my left, at the empty space beside me, feeling like such an ass after what could not have been a better day with Xero.

He hadn’t asked any questions when we’d walked back to my apartment last night and, without my even saying anything, he’d just known that I’d wanted to be alone. A kiss on the forehead and a wave goodbye later, I’d found myself in that exact situation—back home, in my bed, entirely alone.

I glance at the clock, realizing that I still have a few hours before I need to be at the university. Hopefully the “food poisoning” story won’t raise too many questions with Professor Colter. Just in case, I decide to make myself look slightly more haggard than usual. Not exactly a stretch, either, because I do feel that way.

I send Kensie a quick text before taking my time getting ready. Once he’s confirmed he’s working at the café and has a break coming up in fifteen minutes, I decide to hit the road. I can tell another storm is on the horizon, meaning clear skies won’t be on the radar any time soon—at least, not for the next couple of days.

No stargazing for us.

I pull into one of many open parking spaces directly in front of the café, feeling grateful that it’s so empty. The last thing I need is someone eavesdropping on this conversation I’m about to have with Kensie. He greets me at the door with a charming smile. “Snagged the far table in the back, next to your usual spot,” he says as he brings his apron overhead. “And don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like hell.”

“Thanks,” I say flippantly. “That’s exactly the look I was going for.”

“May I ask why?” The disdain on his face is more than apparent. “By the way, I haven’t seen you around. Started to worry me. Not to mention, it seems your spot’s in the process of being taken over by a group of loud, obnoxious freshmen.”

I snort, unwrapping my scarf from around my neck before throwing it onto the table. Almost immediately, I fixate on the delicious beverage that’s just waiting to be consumed. “Let them have it. With Chief Albeck on my ass, I’m not sure how often I’ll be stopping by anyway.”

Eyes wide, he slides into the seat across from me. “Is it really that bad with the police?”

I sigh. “You don’t even know the half of it.”

“Well, fill me in! Clearly, I’ve got all the time in the world,” he says, motioning to all of the empty tables.

“Well, somehow, they got a search warrant. So that’s something.”

His jaw drops. He sets his drink down, readying himself with unbridled hand gestures. “Hold up. They searched your apartment? Shit. Were you there when it happened?”

I honestly hadn’t even thought about that—until now.

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