Free The Intruder by Joannie Kay Page B

glaring daggers at her new sister-in-law-to-be. Judge Benson was in a jovial mood, and admitted that he was a little surprised to get a call from Jake and couldn't wait to meet the lucky bride. The wedding didn't take long to perform, but it was done reverently and with respect, and no one in the room could doubt that Kari and Jake were truly in love.
    Jake moved Kari to his home from the safe house, and kept insisting that he would go and get her other belongings as soon as possible. Kari whispered that he didn't have to do it that night, and Jake didn't argue. He made sweet love to his bride, and when she shyly admitted she was happy they'd waited, he kissed her and made love to her yet again.
    The next morning, Jake's cell phone rang, and he told Kari he had to go to a crime scene. He was relieved when she didn't fuss and promised him she would be fine while he was gone. She unpacked her things as best she could, but learned there were a few things she really needed from her old apartment. She left a note for Jake, just in case he got home earlier than she expected, and then got into her car and drove to her old place. She parked in front and then used her key to let herself inside. What she saw was more than shocking! The furniture that she'd saved for months to buy was ruined. The walls were covered with spray paint and what they said was more than a little frightening. As she walked into her bedroom the stench was overwhelming. Her clothes, especially her unclothes, were lying in scraps on the floor and the bed was ruined completely. She started crying, and picked up her phone and called Jake. He told her he was on his way, and made her promise not to let anyone inside. It was obvious he was afraid the apartment was being watched, and in the next minute, there was a loud pounding on the front door... and a voice demanding she open up immediately.

 
    Chapter Six

    "You open this door, girl. I seen you go inside there!" The pounding continued and Kari recognized her landlord's agitated voice. She crossed the living room, stepping over the mess laying on the floor and jerked the door open. "You're going to pay for the damages in here, girl." The man pushed her aside so he could step into the living room.
    "I didn't do this!" Kari was highly insulted. "And I'm not paying for it."
    "You are or I'll sue you!" he sputtered. "It's going to mean new carpet, and repainting this entire place. I want you and your stuff out of here now... today, girl!"
    "Who the hell do you think you're talking to, Mister? I did not make this mess; I am not responsible for any of the vandalism here, and I will not be intimidated by the likes of you. Is that clear? In fact," Kari warmed to her subject, "I am considering suing you for renting me an apartment next to a convicted felon. AND, how dare you purport these apartments as safe when the attic runs the entire length of the building? This place is not safe, which is false advertising, and for what you are charging for rent, it is high time someone take you to court and have you answer for your irresponsibility!"
    "I'm going to call the cops!" the man blustered.
    "I already did," she responded and smiled when she heard the siren getting closer.
    Jake came running when he saw the door to Kari's old apartment was hanging open, and the relief he felt at finding her inside and unharmed was overwhelming. She was standing there, spitting fire at the landlord, and gone was all the fear she'd felt when she'd called him just a few minutes ago. He much preferred seeing her angry, with her hands on her hips and glaring at the man, than frightened and whimpering and afraid.
    "Are you a police officer?" the landlord sputtered angrily.
    "Lieutenant Tobias," Jake stated, showing the man his badge.
    "I want to file charges against this woman for damaging my property!" the landlord insisted.
    "She didn't damage your property, sir. This property was in excellent condition when she left here with me, and it was