I feel guilty myself, since I had the same moment of doubt, but I’ve only just met the men.
“All I was concerned about is figuring things out for Autumn, and making things right,” Garrett says.
“I get that,” Adrian says. “It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, after all.”
Duke must have been listening to the conversation too, because he asks me, “Your roommate’s never done anything like this before?”
“No. I wouldn’t still be living there if she had. She hasn’t been very pleasant lately, though. I would have never expected this, but it must have been her.”
“We’ll get you out of there,” Duke says, his voice a blend of tenderness and determination.
* * *
Luck is shiningdown on me at the music store. As soon as we walk in, a gorgeous guitar catches my eye, and it happens to be on sale. I try out several models, but the first one turns out to be the best.
I feel incredibly awkward when it comes time to pay, and I wish I didn’t need anyone’s assistance, even as I’m extremely grateful that Garrett is offering to help. Just as he’s pulling out his credit card, Duke steps forward. “I’ll get it.”
“I’ve got it,” Garrett says.
“Nah, put it away,” he says, nodding at Garrett’s wallet and pulling cash from his own. “One of the benefits of age is having a bigger savings account.”
“And Duke would know,” Trevor says. “He’s practically a fossil.”
The guard, who I assume is somewhere in his mid-thirties, scowls at Trevor before turning back to the cashier.
“I should be able to pay you back within the month,” I tell Duke when he hands me the receipt.
“Don’t worry about it,” is his gruff response.
* * *
My nervesand my anger both build as we get closer to home, where I expect I’ll see Lindsey, but I remind myself that I’ll be going into the house with a small army at my side. It turns out that she still isn’t home; she must be avoiding the scene of the crime.
Kelly, however, is home, and is sitting on the couch watching TV when we come in. Her eyes go wide at the sight of all of the men filing into the house behind me. The guys had asked the music store owner if he had any empty boxes, and they also made a quick stop to pick up a box of extra-large trash bags. They’re holding these items, along with a tool box, as I make quick introductions to the two men she hasn’t already met.
“What’s going on?” she asks.
“What do you know about Autumn’s guitar?” Garrett asks her.
Before she even answers, it’s clear from her expression that she doesn’t know anything. I closed my bedroom door before I left, so she wouldn’t even have seen the guitar unless she was either responsible or complicit, and she doesn’t appear to be either of those things. “Her guitar?” she asks, her eyes flicking back and forth between me and Garrett in confusion.
“My guitar was destroyed this morning while I was in the shower,” I tell her. “Have you seen Lindsey?”
At this, her eyes go wide. “No, she hasn’t gotten home yet. You think she …?”
“It couldn’t have been anyone else,” I say.
“Your guitar…” she repeats. “But what about your show tomorrow night?”
“I got a new one,” I say. “And I’m moving out tonight so I don’t have to worry about something happening to it.”
Kelly’s eyes are still wide with surprise as all of this sinks in. “Oh, okay. Oh my gosh. Can I help with anything?”
“I think we’ve got it,” I say, looking around at the men, who are bigger and stronger than most moving crews likely are. “Would you let me know if Lindsey confesses to you?”
Her eyes widen again before she eventually nods her head vigorously. “I’ll play dumb and see what I can get her to tell me.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”