One Mystery Solved

They walked back to the car, a tired Rupert following behind on the leash.

“I know it’s not easy for us to just be friends,” Emily said, seeing that Byron looked a bit disappointed, “but trust me, it’s for the best.”

“I don’t understand,” Byron said, turning towards her as he stopped walking, “We have so much going for us. How can you deny it?”

“You’re not ready for a relationship, Byron.”

“What makes you say that?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

Emily was not sure if she should be honest with him about her reasons, but she didn’t want him to know how much she knew about his depression. If she revealed that, she would have to reaveal that she had spoken to his mother, and it was best to let that sleeping dog lie.

“Can you just trust me on this?” she asked, “I can’t explain it right now, but I know we should be friends.”

“I see,” Byron said, envelping her in a one-armed hug, “you’re sad and lonely and need a friend.”

She laughed, pushing him away, “No, you’re sad and lonely and need a friend.”

“You’re more sad and lonely than me,” he teased.

But she could see underneath his humor there was a layer of despondency.

“Rupert and I will walk home,” he said, “You take the limo.”

Emily knew he was right to doubt whether their friendship could work. This man was highly unstable, and even though she knew it, the attraction between them was only growing.

She was in a weird mood as Alistair drove her home in the limo. Confused about her feelings, she emerged from the vehicle right as Delsie was walking up to their apartment building.

Of course, Delsie was her usual nosy self. “Did you come from a party?” she asked, looking curiously at the limo.

“No,” Emily said, not caring if her answer sounded confusing, “I was out for a walk in the park.”

“In a limo?”

“Yes, quite right,” Emily confirmed.

She was so irritated with Byron and the whole situation with Josh that she no longer had the patience to deal with her roommate. She decided to find out whether Delsie was to be trusted by setting a trap.

“By the way,” Emily said, “You remember that guy Josh I told you about? The guy who was following me? I went to the police, so he’ll get taken to court soon.”

She watched Delsie’s face carefully, looking for signs of any kind of emotion. If Delsie was helping Josh, she would be shocked to know about the police getting involved.

Delsie looked down, fishing for her keys inside her handbag. Emily thought she detected something like a tremor of surprise in her face, though Delsie was quick to cover it up.

“After you,” Delsie said as she opened the door. “I don’t know if you did the right thing, involving the police. I don’t think Josh is that dangerous.”

“Just how dangerous do you think he is?” Emily asked.

They walked up the stairs together, Delsie taking some time to reply.

“Maybe he’s not dangerous at all,” Delsie said, “He’s just in love with you.”

Emily entered the apartment then spun around to face Delsie. “Then why did he come to my office and throw furniture around?” she asked.

“I... don’t know.” Delsie’s eyes darted back and forth. There was definitely something dodgy about her behavior. “Maybe he thinks there’s still a chance you love him back.”

“But I don’t love him,” Emily said, “and I told him so many times. But you like him, don’t you, Delsie?”

Suddenly, Delsie burst into tears. “Josh is not a bad guy,” she shouted, “He’s just tired of your games!”

“I knew it!” Emily said, “You’re on his side. Were you the one who told Josh where to find me?”

“I didn’t have to,” Delsie sobbed, “everyone knows you’re working for that marketing company. Your photo is on the website. That’s how he found you.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me that he was in town,” Emily said softly, sending a withering glance at her roommate.

“I like him, okay? Unlike you, I think he’s really nice. And maybe once he sees how heartless you are, he’ll realize I’m good for him.”

“Oh, I see.” Emily nodded, “What a fine little plan. I guess it was Josh you were on a date with yesterday. How delightful. I want you out of here!”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not sharing this apartment with you!” Emily yelled. “Out!”

“But my name is on the lease too...” Delsie wailed.

“I don’t care.”

Emily had very little sympathy for someone who betrayed her trust. Even if she might not be living here much longer herself since she was unemployed, at least she could have the satisfaction of kicking Delsie out.