Chapter Twelve
Tuesday, 11:59 a.m.
I raced up the metal slat stairs that led to my loft apartment above the bookstore. My breath echoed in the enclosed space, making it feel even more claustrophobic than usual. Despite my need for speed, I clung to the smooth metal railing all the way up. (I was always paranoid one of my feet might catch and slip through the empty space between each step.) I burst into my apartment, scattering the trio of cats who had been curled up on the couch. Oliver darted toward the bedroom area, seeking solace beneath my bed. At first Phryne looked as if she might follow, but she altered course to trot over and flop on the wooden floor at my booted feet instead. Hercule merely gave me a look of disdain once he recovered from his startlement.
I yanked off my boots
