Chapter 4

Rachel stood in the center of the living room, acting like a self-appointed mediator.

"See, Harper? Everyone in the group chat thinks you're overreacting. Chloe is just a young girl with romantic fantasies. You're older, you should be the bigger person."

Mason tossed his keys onto the coffee table, his tone turning stern.

"Harper, if you want to leave, I won't stop you. You’ll pay the penalty. But do you really have to paint Chloe as some kind of accomplice to murder before you go?"

"A bad guy? I’ve lived in this building for ten years. It’s perfectly safe."

I looked at Mason, dead serious.

"So because the odds are low, you think I should gamble my life with her?"

"If someone actually breaks in, you guys will be sleeping soundly while I’m the one bleeding out on the floor."

Chloe snapped her head up, her eyes red.

"Who are you calling dead? How can you be so vicious, Harper? I told you a hundred times, I only leave it open a crack! Bad guys can't get in through that! Why do you keep cursing me?"

She grabbed a throw pillow from the couch and threw it at me. It missed and hit the wall.

Rachel quickly held her back. "Okay, okay, calm down."

I bent down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the couch.

I didn't even look at her. "I just want to stay safe. Is that a crime?"

"Chase your ridiculous break-in fantasy all you want. But do not leave the door open so a predator can walk right past my bedroom."

Mason frowned, silent for a long moment before pulling out a cigarette.

After a minute, he seemed to make a decision.

"Alright, Harper. Don't rush to move out. Let’s handle this contract properly."

"Give me one week. Once I find a new tenant, we’ll sign the lease termination, and I’ll refund your deposit in full. If I can't find anyone, you stay for one more month while I keep looking. Deal?"

Hearing this, Chloe immediately started crying again. "Mason! You’re not taking my side either? You’re going to make me change too?"

Mason waved his hand dismissively. "I’m not taking sides. I just want some peace! Chloe, you do need to stop this door-unlocking nonsense. If someone actually gets in, crying won't save you."

Chloe bit her lip and stayed silent, tears trembling on her eyelashes.

Rachel chimed in: "Harper, Mason made a huge compromise. If you still refuse, you're just being difficult. Everyone has roommate conflicts. You can't just ruin someone’s life over one minor disagreement."

I looked at Mason.

His expression made it clear that this wasn't a request; it was an ultimatum.

I knew exactly what they were thinking. Deep down, they didn't think Chloe was doing anything dangerous. They just thought the drama was annoying.

I thought about it.

Finding a place and moving takes time. I could wait a week.

I let go of my suitcase and nodded.

"Fine. Seven days."

"But I have one condition."

"I am installing a deadbolt lock on my bedroom door, and I will lock it from the inside every night."

"If the front door is left unlocked or open again, I won't warn anyone. I will call the police immediately. If anything happens during these seven days, it is not my responsibility."

Mason frowned. "Do you have to be so cold? You guys live together. Calling the police?"

"Yes."

Rachel scoffed, pulling Chloe toward the kitchen. She whispered, "Whatever, let her lock herself in. A few days and she'll get over herself."

That night, I installed a heavy-duty chain lock on the inside of my bedroom door. I tested it three times to ensure it couldn't be forced open from the outside.

I also locked my laptop and cash inside my desk drawer and set up an emergency speed-dial on my phone's home screen.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I rubbed my neck, feeling the phantom blade. A cold shiver ran down my spine.