Stacey’s blood ran cold as her gaze settled on the kitchen table. The stack of papers—she was certain—wasn’t where she’d left it the night before. Her pulse quickened, and dread crept into her mind. Living alone, there was only one explanation: someone had been inside her apartment.
Her first instinct was to call the police, but doubt halted her hand. The door had been locked, with no signs of forced entry. She could already picture their dismissive response. A shiver coursed down her spine as a horrifying realization dawned—her landlord had been here, violating her sanctuary.
Fear, sharp and paralyzing, gripped her for an instant before it transformed into a seething rage. She steadied herself, her resolve hardening. She wouldn’t let this go. She wouldn’t let his greed and malice destroy the peace she had fought so hard for. Her sanctuary had been invaded, and she was ready to fight back.