“I hope Tom doesn’t get in trouble,” I said. “He’s doing the right thing by coming forward now.”
He shrugged. “We don’t have enough information for me to say yet. His testimony might come in handy though if we uncover more. Whether he gets a pass on this or not is up in the air.”
My heart sank. I felt terrible for Tom and didn’t want him to get in trouble, but I also understood there were consequences for breaking the law, even if one believed his actions were right at the time. If he hadn’t lied, we might be closer to the truth at this point.
“Let’s stay in touch,” Detective Marlow said, standing to his feet. We stood as well and shook his hand. “Call me if you have any other concerns,” he said.
On the way out, I got a text from Robert. Haven’t heard from you lately. What are you up to today?
Leaning over, I showed Troy the text. “I’ve been avoiding him ever since I found out about the Airbnbs. I’m so creeped out about all of this.”
“Don’t meet with him or talk to him on the phone, but answer his texts so he doesn’t get antsy and show up unannounced at your house.” Worry lines formed at his forehead, and he pressed his lips together. “In fact, I think it might be a good idea to stay with your parents for a while. I don’t like that he could drop by your home at any time.”
“I could alert the security guard not to let him in the neighborhood.”
“We don’t want to spook him. The last thing we need is him leaving town because he knows we’ve caught on to what he’s been involved in. Communicate just enough so he thinks everything is okay.”
We walked the rest of the distance to his car and got in. Troy pulled out of the parking lot and we headed back to my house. He glanced at me. “I’ll help you pack a few things and make sure you get off safely.”
I answered Robert’s text while I was still in the car with Troy. Sorry, I’ve been swamped. How are you?
He answered: Not good. I miss you, Kayla. I want to see you. Let’s go out for lunch this week.
I read the text to Troy, and he grimaced. “No way. That’s too dangerous.”
“I’ll put him off for now.” I typed out a quick answer. Sorry, I’ve been really busy, but I’ll let you know when I’m free. Which would be never. Unless he was cleared and the Airbnbs didn’t match. Then again, even if he wasn’t behind both of my attacks, knowing he was cheating his clients didn’t sit well with me. It was time to cut Robert loose, but I would have to wait until it was safe to do so. I didn’t need him flipping out on me. Sadness washed over me at the realization that this was the end of our friendship most likely. He had been there for me through so many things, but he wasn’t the man I thought he was.
Once we got back to my house, Troy helped me pack, and I called Mom to let her know what was going on. Up until this point, I’d kept her and Dad out of most of it, but they needed to be updated. They wouldn’t hesitate to let me stay with them. I knew that much, and I felt fairly safe knowing Robert didn’t have my parents’ address. Maybe it was overkill to leave, but it was better to be cautious than wish I’d made a different decision later on.
“I’m just sad I’ll be an hour away from you,” I said to Troy as we stood by my car.
He caressed the side of my face and leaned in to kiss me. “I’ll still drive out to see you every day. I won’t let something like this keep us apart. Plus, I want to make sure you’re okay.”
“Are you sure you can do that? I know you’re busy being the new manager.”
He smiled. “I’ll always find time to see you. You can count on that.”
***
The days passed slowly and by the end of the week, I was feeling antsy. I wanted to be back in my own home. I loved hanging out with Mom and Dad, and they were happy to have me, but I longed to sleep in my own bed and wake up in my own house.
I’d taken a few jobs but turned down some of the bigger ones. I hated doing that, but with everything going on, I wasn’t comfortable being in front of a large audience right now.
My phone dinged with a text, and my stomach clenched when I saw it was from Robert. Hey, beautiful. Didn’t hear back from you yesterday. Lunch today? My treat.
He’d been texting me almost every day, asking if I could meet for lunch. I didn’t even answer him the previous day, so I knew I should probably say something. I typed out a quick reply. Sorry, meeting with my mom today. I thought about that for a second before sending it and then erased it. He didn’t need to know I was in the Orange County area. I would much rather keep him in the dark concerning my whereabouts. I typed out a new response. I’ll text you when I’m free. Sorry, it’s just been crazy lately.
About ten minutes passed and then a new text came through. I bet you find time for Troy. I’ve been the best friend you have and this is how you treat me?
Not good. Not good. Not good.
How did one respond to something like that? I wanted to tell him
