The second I stepped through my front door, I spotted Silas already there, waiting for me.
He was twisted up with worry and spoke carefully, like he was treading on eggshells, "Are you okay?"
Before I could even get a word out, he rushed to add more: "I believe you! We've known each other for years. I know exactly who you are, what you're really like. I just... I've been so worried about you..."
I smiled and cut him off gently. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes," I said. "It means the world to me that you trust me. I'm going to clear my name."
Silas pressed his lips together, then lifted a hand to ruffle my hair softly. "Leave all the public chatter and drama to me," he said. "Don't stress. This will all blow over soon."
I nodded with a smile and headed inside my apartment.
I pulled out my old s
