He hesitated for a second before he blew out a sigh. “Someone definitely tried to break into your place. Lock had been jimmied. By the damage to the wood, it looks like some kind of large screwdriver had been used.”
Apprehension gusted, rising up from the east like a blowing gale that ushered in a summer storm.
Every one of us in that room knew something like that didn’t come by accident.
I blew out the unease, my mind ticking through the different possibilities and scenarios.
Because the question was why?
Why would someone be trying to get in?
“And you don’t have any idea of who it might have been?” I asked.
Ezra wavered, contemplating his words before he finally spoke. “There have been a few breakins lately. Some theft over at the new builds on Clifton, plus someone had their shed broken into and had some expensive tools stolen a couple nights ago. Another vacant house on Plight St. that’s for sale was also completely stripped of everything inside. Thinking it might be related to that…someone looking for something of value that they could strip and sell. Might have thought your place was a part of the restaurant and empty that night.”
I’d heard of a couple breakins, but I didn’t know they’d gotten so severe.
As much as I hated the idea that someone might want to steal from me when I’d worked so hard for what I had, it was much better than the alternate intentions that had been trudging through my brain.
I nodded. “I guess that’s good news then.”
The rumble of a growl vibrated from Ryder. “Good news?”
“It’s better than the alternative,” I told him.
The implication of what remained unsaid pulsed through the room, bouncing between the three of us. I could rest in the knowledge that no one had been there with the intention to hurt us.
Did the situation suck?
Sure.
But I could handle it.
“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful, though. Keep an eye out,” Ezra added. “It worries me they might come back sniffing around the restaurant thinking you might keep money in there at night. I’m going to add another deputy to patrol downtown during that time.” Then he gave me one of his tight smiles. “Don’t worry. We’re going to find this guy. It’s happening so often, whoever is responsible is bound to slip.”
“I’ll be sure to remain vigilant,” I promised.
Ryder grunted again, and I ignored him, keeping my attention on Ezra.
“I’m going to have to file the report, which means your brother is likely to find out.” Ezra cringed on my behalf.
I let go of a small laugh. “That’s fine. I just wanted some actual information on the situation before the gossip started. You know how he is.”
“That I do. And I already sent someone over to get your door reinforced.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Of course. That’s what I’m here for.” He glanced between me and Ryder. “I’m going to head back to the station. Let me know if you see or hear anything.”
“I will.” Ryder and I followed him to the door.
“Thank you, Ezra.” I gave him a quick hug.
“I’m always here.”
He tipped his head at Ryder. “See you later, brother.”
“Yeah,” was all that Ryder said, and Ezra snapped the door as he left.
Tension suddenly barreled into me from behind.
Tacky and tight.
The air thinned.
The only sound the quiet volume of Kayden’s show from across the room and the thud of my heart that pounded in my ears.
I felt like I could hardly move as I slowly shifted around. Ryder stood five feet away, all menacing glowers and huffing like a bull.
“I don’t like it, Dakota.”
“I don’t like it, either. Some people suck, but there’s not a whole lot we can do about that other than let Ezra do his job.”
Ryder stepped forward. “There is plenty I could do about it.”
Barely contained fury slipped from his tongue.
I shook my head. “Don’t be an idiot, Ryder. Ezra has this handled, and the last thing I need is you getting involved in something that doesn’t even concern you.”
He slowly approached, closing the distance until there was no space left between us. “Doesn’t concern me? Believe me, Cookie…” His words scraped, low and gruff. Edged with a razor. “It absolutely concerns me.”
Rigidness clenched his jaw, and he seemed to war with what to say, the words he released cut with a severity so sharp I felt them raking across my skin.