When I stepped into my apartment, I knew something was wrong. It was like ... I'm not sure how to describe it. Like the hairs on my neck rose.
I walked into the kitchen. There was no sign of the cat. Normally, when he wasn't curled up on his towel, he was making the arduous five-foot trek to his water bowl or litter box. I'd tried several times to send him outside to play, but he seemed to think I was trying to kick him out. Which maybe I was.
When I heard a low growl, I followed it to my bedroom. Two yellow eyes appeared under my bed. The cat came out and rubbed against my hand.
"Big bad mice scare you?"
He slunk to the doorway and peered out. Then he craned his neck to look back at me, as if to say, "Is it safe?"
I walked out ahead, and he followed. Then, with a satisfied mrrow, he plunked down on his bed.
I looked around. Something had spooked him. I knew the weather could upset animals, but I'd seen no sign of a storm or high winds. I wandered through the few rooms. No sign of a break-in. The front door had been locked, and nothing had been moved. It didn't appear as if...
Wait.
I headed down to Grace's apartment and found her setting up on the front porch.
"You bringing my scone?" she asked as I stepped out.
"It's my day off."
Her look said that was no excuse.
"Were you in my apartment doing maintenance?" I asked.
"I don't do maintenance."
"Was anyone in my apartment?"
"Not on my say-so. I don't hand over my keys to anyone, and I don't waltz in whenever I feel like it. I know what's right. You'll get twenty-four-hours' notice if I need to come in."
"Thank you. It just looked like someone had been in there."
"Probably that damned cat of yours knocking stuff over. They do that if you keep them cooped up. You should let him out. At least open a window so he can leave."
"I'm on the third floor."
She shrugged. Before I could walk away, she said, "I want a scone." She held out two dollar bills.
"I really wasn't going to the diner." I paused. "I could use a coffee, but I'm low on cash."
She glowered and exchanged the bills for a five.
"Thank you. I'll leave in a minute."
She squawked as I went back inside.
Once again, when I stepped into my apartment, the hairs on the back of my neck rose. I looked down at the cat.
"Someone was here, right?"
He stared at me.
"Come on," I said. "Give me a hint."
More staring at the crazy lady. I sighed and looked around. Nothing seemed out of place. If someone did break in, what would they be--
I checked where I hid my laptop. It was still there, untouched.