Groaning, I covered my face with my hands. It was going to be a hell of a long night.
Another fifteen minutes later, she emerged, wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a pink tank top.
I answered the door, nearly yanking it off its hinges, and was shocked to see Jack again.
“Hey,” I said awkwardly. “Um, how much do I owe you?”
Jack tilted his head. “How much you got?”
“Very funny.”
“Twenty-five even.” His eyes narrowed as he peered around me. “Another late night study session, hmm? Her headache must have gone away.”
“Ibuprofen and a three-hour nap.”
“Ah.” Jack nodded his head and handed over the pizzas. “Heard some loser broke in again.”
“Yeah.”
Jack didn’t move.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“I think—” Jack grinned. “—I’ve got all I need, but thanks for asking. See you in class.”
I could have sworn he’d said “or not” under his breath. The kid was getting creepier and creepier every time I saw him.
When I slammed the door and locked it, Lisa was shaking on the couch. I quickly dropped the pizza onto the table and pulled her into my arms. “What’s wrong?”
“Jack…” Her teeth chattered. “…when I came home late this morning, he was at my door. He said he was leaving me a note but…”
“Shit.” I pulled out my phone to dial Gabe. “Has he ever been inside your apartment?”
“Yeah, once.”
“Yeah, Gabe,” I barked into the phone. “Do a background check on Jack McHale.”
“Spell it.”
I spelled out the name, ready to chase after the kid and wring his scrawny little neck if he’d had any involvement. “That all you need?”
“Yup. I should have some info to you by morning.”
“Cool, thanks.”
I hung up and faced Lisa. “Gabe’s on it.”
She groaned. “He really freaked me out earlier, but maybe he’s just… temperamental.”
“Tell me exactly what he did.”
The more she shared, the harder I clenched my fists. My teeth ground together. I don’t even remember how many curse words escaped my mouth, but I had to have set a record.
“But I’m fine,” Lisa urged, putting her hand on my arm. Then, as if remembering we weren’t exactly on speaking terms, she pulled back. “Really. I’m good.”
“I’ll kill him.”
“Don’t.” She gave me a weak smile. “After all, who’d deliver us pizza?”