Jake finally spoke.
“Our apartment is tiny. We were just enjoying the space for a little while.”
“A little while?” I asked. “You moved in.”
Neither of them had a response.
One of the officers looked at me.
“Do you want to pursue charges or file a formal complaint?”
Melissa immediately looked terrified.
Jake looked just as nervous.
For a moment, I considered it.
I had every piece of evidence I could possibly need.
Then, I looked at them.
Their friends knew.
The neighbors knew.
The entire street knew.
The consequences had already started.
“No,” I said finally.
Melissa blinked.
“No?”
“I don’t want to ruin your lives. I just want you out of my house.”
The relief on their faces was immediate.
“Thank you,” Jake said quietly.
I held out my hand.
“My key.”
Melissa dug through her purse and handed it over.
Then she lowered her head.
“I really am sorry.”
I took the key but said nothing.
The friendship was over.
There was nothing left to discuss.
That evening, I changed every lock in the house.
The following week, I hired professional cleaners and assessed the damage.
The stained rug needed replacing.
Several outdoor items had been damaged.
