The guard just shot her a deadpan look. “Don’t know what you think you know, but you know nothing. And even if he did live here, why would I let you in to see him?”
Crap. She guessed he had a point. He couldn’t let just anyone in here. And she didn’t exactly look like she belonged.
“Could you just call the house and tell him that Maeve is here? Please?” she croaked.
She spotted a bottle of soda and a half-eaten sandwich on the table in front of him.
Shit. She was so hungry.
She swayed, feeling dizzy.
“Fuck, don’t pass out here. I’m not going to be responsible for you. I’m not doing shit except calling the cops unless you leave right now.”
Don’t cry, Maeve.
You didn’t get this far just to get stuck at this last hurdle.
“When does Lyle come on shift?”
“Fuck. Off.” He picked up his phone.
“No, wait, please.”
Walking out of the box he was sitting in, he gave her a light shove. It sent her flying onto her butt and she cried out in pain.
“Fuck off. I’m calling the cops.”
She stumbled away, holding onto Squish with one arm.
Okay, think.
She moved out of his line of sight, walking down the street. Then she settled under the shade of a huge tree.
Could she wait and see if Lyle was working later? He might be on the night shift.
How much did it cost to keep guards at the gate all the time? She had no idea, but she guessed it kept the people living here safe.
Yeah, from people like you.
She huffed out a laugh. Ow. That hurt. Tears dripped down her face. What was she going to do? What if Lyle was away or had quit? What if Sampson or the others never came out and saw her?
What if someone called the police? She huddled into herself as much as she could.
She wasn’t sure how long she was there before she saw the police car headed up the road.
Oh, God.
Oh, no.
Had that asshole called them? But he couldn’t see her, right?
Should she run? Maybe someone from one of these other houses had called the cops. She tried to stand. But the car was parking and a police officer stepped out.
“Hello, ma’am.”
“I wasn’t doing anything,” she said, standing. “I’m just sitting here.” She stumbled backward.
The policeman held out his hands. “Whoa. Easy. We got a call that there was a woman sitting under the tree who looked to be in distress. You’re not in any trouble. My name is Officer Larsen. I’m here to help. Would you like some water?”