In Wragos, after a hectic day, Karina returned to Haleighâs pad at Beauty Apartments.
With Barlow out of the picture, Karina took the reins in looking out for Haleigh.
Even though Haleigh insisted she could handle things solo, she treated Karina like kin.
So, she handed Karina her apartment key and Karina often crashed there to watch over Haleigh.
As Karina swung open the door, ready to say hi to Haleigh, her eyes snagged on a pair of menâs black gloves on the shoe rack.
She froze, alarm bells ringing.
She stayed as quiet as a mouse.
Ever since that thief fiasco at Rosalynnâs, Karina had been on high alert.
Was there a thief lurking?
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Sheâd upgraded the lock to a smart one.
Any intruder would set off her phone alarm.
But thereâd been no alarms today.
So, what about those gloves?
With Haleigh alone at home, Karina couldnât brush it off.
Trading her shoes for slippers, Karina searched for a weapon, settling on a high heel.
The place was eerily quiet.
Dark thoughts crept in.
Her biggest fear was that Haleigh was hurt.
She had vowed to protect her, for Barlowâs sake.
Failing Haleigh would be failing Barlow.
Creeping into the living room, she found it empty.
The bedrooms were also clear.
Then, a faint noise from the bathroom caught her ear.
Karinaâs heart raced, clutching her high heels tight.
Was the thief in the bathroom?
Tense, she crept toward the bathroom door, silent as a ghost.
Itâd be a relief if she was just overthinking it.
What if it was just Haleigh?
Karina braced herself, waiting outside the closed door.
Then, the door creaked open.
Someone emerged.
Karina pressed against the wall, holding her breath.
The person who came out was not Haleigh, but a man!
Karinaâs eyes widened.
She swung her high heels, aiming for his head.
She yelled, âIâll beat you to death, you thief!â
Quick on his feet, the man dodged her swing and grabbed her wrist.
Gritting her teeth, Karina struck with her free hand, landing a solid kick on his leg.
He stumbled back, wincing, then crashed to the floor.
Still gripping Karinaâs wrist, he yanked her down with him.