A muffled groan echoed as the man hit the ground, clutching his side.

I pressed the bat against him and leaned in to get a better look.

It wasn’t Hayden.

It was a stranger.

“Who sent you? Who let you into my apartment?” I asked.

The man shook his head, refusing to talk. I didn’t bother playing nice. Pulling out my phone, I said, “Fine. Let’s see what you tell the cops.”

“Don’t call the police!” he blurted, panicking. I just wanted to steal a few things! I’ll give them back right now, okay?”