Page 20 of Aperture

“Right.” I nod. “I’ll check in with missing persons. Hopefully, it’s nothing and she turns up.”

“Or she’s the next victim and he finally gives us a fucking clue,” he says flatly, as he walks away.

It sounds insensitive to someone who doesn't do the job, but this is how we have to operate. We see so much shit that we have to be able to compartmentalize or we would go fucking crazy. Some days, I feel that way anyway. I think of the young woman, scared and bound, not knowing that this is how her life is going to end. My heart starts beating and my skin starts to itch. I cannot sit in the office anymore right now. I need some air. I grab my keys and head out the door. I am about to get into my car when I hear someone call my name.

“Wyatt!” I turn and see Millie walking toward me with a large dog strutting attentively next to her.

“Hey,” I say, feeling lighter the instant I see her.

“I didn’t know you had a dog.” He sniffs me curiously as I rub the fur around his neck.

“I’m just fostering,” she smiles. “I think he likes you.”

I look at her closely now and I’m just in awe of how effortlessly beautiful she is. She is wearing leggings and a sweatshirt, and her hair is in a messy bun, and yet she is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I do my best to quickly ignore the thought.

“What are you two up to today?” I ask.

“Milo here is waiting to be adopted and hopefully today is the day. I thought I’d take him for a walk over to the shelter and see if anyone has shown interest.”

“Want some company?” I ask.

“I’d love some,” she smiles.

We walk silently for a moment before Millie speaks up.

“So, I kinda got freaked out a little bit last night,” she says.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Milo heard something outside and got really worked up. Then I went to the door and heard something outside. It was probably nothing, but with this whole Sierra Falls Strangler thing, I got a little scared. Is that stupid?”

“No. It’s not stupid. Do you have a security system?” I ask.

“I do, but it’s a bit older. I could probably use an upgrade,” her nose scrunches as she contemplates her quandary, and I have an overwhelmingly stupid desire to boop the tip of her pert, little, scrunched-up nose. Who am I?

“How about I come over after work and look at it?” I smartly reel in my booping desire.

“I’d love that. Thank you,” Millie looks both parts grateful and relieved, and a thrill runs through me because I am the reason.

We reach the shelter, and I feel more relaxed, knowing I’ll see Millie later tonight.

“OK. I’m at 1023 Grandpoint Lane. I’ll see you tonight?” she asks.

“About 7,” I reply. “See you soon, M&M.”

“M&M?” she questions.

“Millie and Milo,” I smile.

“Aww, got it.” She laughs.

I watch her walk away and cannot help but smile for a moment, until I remember who she is and how I came to know her. Maybe she could be mine in another life, but not in this one.

Chapter 14

I’m just about finished cooking some chicken and rice for me and Milo when his ears perk up and he runs over to the front door. Not even two seconds later, I hear a knock and Milo’s tail begins wagging rapidly. I open the door to a tired, yet incredibly attractive Wyatt.

“Hi,” I say cheerily. “Long day?”