Chapter 3The Midnight Knock

The next morning, we left for work.

We ran into Rick and Karen at the complex gate.

Rick glared at us, his eyes full of venom.

"You two sleep like the dead? We knocked for twenty minutes last night."

David smiled politely.

"Sorry, Rick. Work dinner. We got in late and crashed hard. What’s up?"

Karen snorted.

"My dad had an episode. Needed the ER."

"You know, Sarah, because of you guys not answering, my dad almost didn't make it."

David started to apologize, but I stepped in front of him.

I looked Karen up and down with a smirk.

"Karen, I’m confused. How is your dad’s health our responsibility?"

Karen put her hands on her hips, her voice rising.

"How? You delayed his treatment! We’re neighbors! You didn't answer your phone! Who else should I blame?"

I chuckled.

"I didn't realize being a neighbor meant I signed a 24/7 on-call paramedic contract."

"You had time to blow up my phone, but no time to dial 911?"

"You!"

Karen wasn't used to me fighting back. I was usually the nice one.

She pointed a finger in my face.

"It’s your fault! You won’t even apologize? The audacity!"

"So much for being good neighbors!"

"Lucky for you my dad is still breathing, or I’d ruin you!"

Rick spat on the ground near my shoes.

"Fine. You want to play hardball? Don't expect any favors from us."

I took a dramatic step back, feigning fear.

"Rick, are you threatening me?"

"I get scared easily. If I have a panic attack and faint right now, can you afford the lawsuit?"

Rick stared at me, his face blank.

He muttered one phrase.

"Watch your back."