Katie finished the second page and handed it over to Mitch to read while she cleaned and put three bandages on her arm. She watched his face. He had wavy brown hair, brown eyes, and a medium olive skin tone. He was six feet tall with broad shoulders and you could tell he worked out. Katie was spaced out, thinking about how much she wanted to touch him, and jumped when Mitch asked another question.
“You stated the knife looked brand new?”
“I don’t know. I saw it shine from the reflection of something.”
“Well, Katherine, or can I call you Kate? I believe I know who your attackers are, and can get it verified by the mark you left on one of their arms. Conner and Matt Slumber are harmless. They’re in their early thirties, brothers, no family left, and drive around to cause minor trouble. I’ll finish this report and put another mark against their names for more hours of community service. If you run into them again and they try to cause more trouble, tell them you know me, and they’ll back off.”
Katie couldn’t believe a word Mitch said and leaned forward to face him. “Don’t be afraid of two guys who forced me in their car and threatened me? What if something bad did happen?”
“Nothing did or would have. And like I said, I’ll talk to the Slumbers and tell them to back off.”
“I can’t believe it. What has this town turned into in the five years I’ve been gone? Nothing good, apparently.” She shoved the chair back as she stood.
“Did you drive to work?” He acted calm and professional.
“No, I was walking home. If we’re done, I’d like to go.” She opened the office door.
“I’m on my way home too, so I’ll give you a ride.” They headed to the parking lot. Mitch dug his keys out of his pocket, pushed a button on the ring, and unlocked the truck at the end of the parking lot. It was a nice, newer, medium blue Toyota Tacoma King Cab.
He opened the door for Katie. Not sure if he’s trying to be nice or just naturally is. I’ve never had a boyfriend or my ex-husband open doors for me.
“Which apartments do you live in?” He sat on the driver side.
“White Italian Plaza on the corner of 2nd.”
***
The ride was silent until a block from Katie’s apartment. “Front or back entrance?”
“Back. I’m sure you know how to get there.” Katie cringed as her arm throbbed.
“I’ve taken care of a few domestic disputes, but overall it’s a safe place.” He turned in the alley and parked on the side of the building. Katie let herself out before Mitch made it to her side. “What number?”
“I’m in two-oh-three.”
He stepped a couple feet in front of her before they arrived at the door and checked the handle. It was locked. “Keys, please.” Mitch sounded like a goblin working in a bank for magical people.
Katie dug them out of her purse and handed them to him. “I’m pretty sure my place is safe. Those guys don’t even know where I live.”
Mitch unlocked and opened the door. “Stay here for a minute.” He scurried through the small apartment and checked out the rooms.
Katie wanted to protest. My unpacked boxes are shoved against the wall. I’m sure my laundry stinks too. On the other hand, I’d like to sit on my couch with him. Oh, stop it, Katie. I’m sure he’s taken, and I’m not ready for another relationship. I’m…
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Mitch touched her right arm. “You look a little pale.”
Katie twitched at his touch and her will to not get involved melted like butter on a piece of hot bread. “No, I’m fine. Spacing out some. Does my place look in order?”
“All looks fine. Your arm hurting?” Their eyes met, and he led her into the kitchen and pulled out a chair for her to sit.
Okay, this is feeling weird in a good way. “I appreciate the ride and checking my place out.” Katie sensed he didn’t want to leave her.
Mitch took a peek under the Band-Aids. “If you see any infection, go see a doctor. You don’t know what kind of germs or leftover items were on the sidewalk.”
“What about the blood in my mouth? That could cause disease.” She touched her stomach and felt the urge to gag. “It makes me sick to think about it.”
“You’ll be fine, but if it’ll make you feel better, go to the clinic in the morning and have it checked. They open at eight o’clock.” He looked at the kitchen cupboards. “Pain killers?”
She stood.
“Stay seated.” He saw a glass on the counter, rinsed it out, refilled it with water, and handed it to Katie.
“On the shelf in the bathroom.” She put her hand back on her arm and watched Mitch.
He came back with ibuprofen and pulled a card from his pocket with his free hand. “I’ll let you go. Here are my office and cell numbers. No matter what the time is, give me a call if you need anything.” He put it on the table along with the bottle. “I’m serious, give me a call if you run into any more problems and I’ll check on you later.” Mitch smiled and closed the door behind him.
Katie waited a minute to make sure he didn’t come back. She gulped four tablets and felt stupid for acting skittish. Her cell rang. She answered, “Hello,” and locked the door, checking it twice to make sure.
“Hi, Katie, sorry it’s late. I had to run to OK Gas to get a few items and saw you walking up the stairs with Mitch. I know he’s a cop. Any wild parties at the apartments?” Melanie asked.
“No. I’m okay. I got picked up by two guys in the alley after you left. One pushed me into the front seat of a car and held a knife on me.”
“What? No way. You okay? Who was it?”
“I’m still in shock. Sergeant Blake told me it was Matt and Conner. They don’t cause real harm and I shouldn’t worry was the comment from Blake. Maybe they’ll think twice before doing it again because I left a permanent bite mark on Conner’s arm.”
Melanie laughed. “Sorry, but it’s funny. They mean no harm but can get carried away at times. So what was Mitch doing at your place?”
“First off, why didn’t I know about them growing up?”
“You lived in the country, and they’re closer to my age. Plus, their dad was alive back then and no problems were caused.”
Katie didn’t want to argue with Melanie about the police’s leniency or the difference in age making Katie feel stupid. She told her the story and how nice looking the sergeant was and how he seemed concerned for her safety. The call ended and Katie went to bed.