I'll Help You Hide From Them

High Security

After changing cars in a quiet location, O'Malley receives a message from his partner to say that the culprit got away. Although I'm still terrified that the shooter and Shane can find me, I allow myself to be reassured that the other security guard, Wilson, is safe.

When we arrive at the safehouse, O'Malley practically carries me into the building. Kier follows me closely.

I'm alarmed at how many locks there are on the door but each one adds to making me feel safer. The security guard points to a sofa far from the windows for me to sit on.

I cautiously do so, watching how he sets up multiple cameras hidden all over the apartment. The idea of being watched 24/7 brings a tad of discomfort but I calm myself by thinking it's either that or another close call with Shane.

He seems to be using a device where he presses his thumb over it before the sight of all the cameras on his monitor disappear.

"Are the cameras streaming to the cloud?" I ask.

"It's a very secure network but yes. No one can access it without either mine or my partner's fingerprint." He replies with a social smile, seeming genuinely pleased that I appear interested in the technology.

"They're no stranger to cutting off fingers." I warn.

His eyes carefully look at my hands. "I'm aware. They didn't keep them around afterwards though." He softly answers.

"They had no need to." I mutter.

"I know you're cautious and alarmed but my partner and I have a very secure plan which has never failed us before." He says to reassure me.

"There's always a first time for everything." I murmur.

He gives me a sorry look. "I will do all I can to keep you safe. I've gone as far as to take bullets for the people who didn't follow my guidance. No one has died under my care." He explains, clearly trying to calm me down.

I notice Kier looks a little nervous so I back down. "Sorry, it's just my job to ask tough questions."

He smiles. "I'm very much aware, you actually helped me in the past by catching a stalker and a killer when I was protecting a doctor. It's an honour in my eyes to work with you again." He tells me.

I remember the case, a doctor was receiving threats and a ticket officer was killed by her stalker. It was tough for Ralph and I to keep the case since the department wanted blood for the deceased officer. It just solidified my suspicions that other detectives and police officials didn't like me.

"I remember the case well." I reply.

He nods, shaking my hand respectfully. I have recently developed a hatred for shaking hands now that it's awkward with either hand but I decide that this man deserves the effort.

I can't help but flinch at a buzzer of some kind going off.

"That's probably my partner." He tells me, checking the fisheye lens on the door before working on the locks.

The other man enters and takes off his coat and his gun. "There was someone there but I just missed them." He reports.

"Did they leave any evidence?" I ask hopefully.

"Just some unused cigarettes." He replies.

I frown as I try to make sense of this piece of evidence.

It could be means to taunt me? The shooter must have been looking into the other case I was investigating, unless they're connected. Don't be silly Drew, this kind of thinking leads to conspiracies and madness. My mental state isn't quite what it used to be as it is. I need to make sure that I stay very careful. I don't want to ruin what's already fragile.