The sound of loud music woke him from his dream and Cayden King sighed as he rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. Frustrated, he reached for his pillow and covered his face and ears in an effort to block out the noise. After a moment, he threw the pillow clear across the room and sat up in bed.

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered under his breath when he glanced at the alarm clock and saw that it was only eight o’clock in the morning. He didn’t have to go to class for another three hours, and he desperately wanted to sleep for at least another two hours.

Sighing, he crawled out of bed with the bed sheets tangled around his legs and nearly fell. Rolling his eyes, he freed himself from his bed’s sinister trap and marched out of the bedroom. When he stepped into the living room, he felt an instant shiver and glanced around.

The window by the fire escape was wide opened and he paused for a moment in silence. “I don’t remember leaving that window open,” he told himself. Slowly, he inched toward the window and shut it quickly, as if some invisible demon would have attacked him had he taken his time. Standing back he glanced around the living room again. Nothing seemed to be out of place.

“Maybe I did leave it open,” he told himself with a shrug. Glancing over at Mr. Rocky Balboa, Cayden smiled as he scooped up the cat and gave him a hug. “That bad girl is playing her music way too loud again,” Cayden whispered to the cat. “Every morning it’s the same thing,” he complained. “I think maybe she’s deaf,” he added.

Setting the cat down on the couch, Cayden walked over to the front door. “Well,” he said as he glanced back at Mr. Rocky Balboa, “I think it’s time I said something about it. I mean, it’s rude.” Opening his door, Cayden stepped into the hall and stared at the door to Devon James’ apartment.

He glanced back at Mr. Rocky Balboa. “Maybe I should give it another five minutes,” Cayden thought to himself. Then, shaking his head, he crossed the hall and knocked on Devon’s door. It wasn’t right for her to play her music so loud. She had to have some consideration for her neighbors.

When there was no answer, he knocked again. A moment later, the door was open and Devon James was standing there staring at him.

“Hello,” Cayden said softly, and smiled at the woman.

“What do you want?” Devon inquired.

“I was wondering if maybe you would turn the music down a little.” Cayden responded. “I, uh, I’m trying to sleep.”

“So?” Devon James questioned.

“So . . . I really would appreciate it if you could lower the music,” Cayden repeated.

“I work and I pay rent here,” Devon explained, “My mommy and my daddy don’t pay my rent for me.” She said, a bit of nastiness and resentment creeping into her voice.

“I go to school,” Cayden responded softly.

“Well good for you. Maybe you’ll actually learn something about life,” Devon explained. “I bet you have a scholarship, right?”

Cayden paused for a moment. He didn’t understand why Devon was being so mean to him. He hadn’t done anything to her to warrant being spoken to like trash. He simply nodded.

Devon James laughed. “Well look, little rich boy, go back to your apartment and shut your door and deal with it, or move out.” she demanded.

“I’m not moving out,” Cayden responded, mustering up at least a little courage to stand defiantly against his tyrannical neighbor.

“Then deal with it,” Devon said as she slammed her door shut. A moment later, the volume of the music was increased, and Cayden King sighed and dropped his head as he walked back into his apartment and shut his door.

“What’s the deal with Devon?” Cayden asked as he stepped out of the kitchen with a coffee cup and glanced over at Gage Matthews. “I mean, is she always so angry?”

Sitting on the couch, Gage Matthews smiled. “She’s always been a bitch, but she’s been even bitchier since Julia died,” he explained. “They were best friends. She took her death kind of hard. I used to think that she had no reason to be a bitch, but now I guess she does,” Gage admitted.

“Yeah, and I’m her reason,” Cayden pouted.

“Relax, she’ll only be a bitch to you for as long as it takes to get it out of her system,” Gage informed him. “But, of course, I’ve lived here for about a year and she’s still a bitch to me,” he explained.

“Great,” Cayden sighed. “Just great. I’ve been here two weeks and every morning she blasts her music so loud that I can’t even hear myself think. Every time I try to talk to her, she goes off on me. I think Kathryn is right, she’s unstable.”

Gage shook his head and laughed out loud. “Devon’s unstable? Kathryn is one to talk . . . and talk and talk.”

Cayden laughed. “I don’t mind Kathryn’s talking, at least she’s nice.”

“No,” Gage said as he stood up from Cayden’s couch. “You’re too nice. That’s why Devon walks all over you. What you need to do is stand up to her and put her in her place.”

Taking a sip of his coffee, Cayden shook his head. “I don’t think I can do that,” he explained.

“Why not?”

“Because my mother taught me to be respectful of other people. I’m not the kind of person that confronts other people. I don’t even know how to put someone in their place,” he admitted.

“And you moved to New York?” Gage questioned. “They’re going to eat you up alive. Around here it’s eat or be eaten. You have to learn how to deal with people. If you can’t deal with one person in New York, then you’re not going to make it here,” he explained.

“I guess,” Cayden sighed as he set his cup down on the table. “I’m heading to class,” he sighed. “What are you doing today?”

“Nothing. I need a new winter coat, I’ll probably go shopping. I’ll walk with you,” Gage said as he crossed over to the door.

Shutting off the lights, the two stepped out of Cayden’s apartment, and he locked the door. They made the short walk to the elevator and waited for it to reach the ninth floor. As they stepped in, Cayden pressed the button for the lobby and as the doors closed, Cayden jumped back with surprise as a hand reached in and prevented them from closing.

Devon James stared at the two of them with disdain. “Rude little shit,” Devon muttered as she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the lobby.

“Good morning to you too,” Gage said with a smirk.

“Fuck off,” Devon seethed.

“You’re as lady-like as ever,” Gage teased.

“Go to hell,” Devon sighed. “I’m not in the mood for you today.” She glanced over at Cayden and rolled her eyes. “You should get better friends, Gage.”

Cayden glanced at her, slightly offended. “I’m sorry?” He questioned, opting to stand up for himself.

“You certainly are,” Devon responded without even taking another glance at him.

Gage stepped over to Cayden and nudged him, motioning to Devon. “Put her in her place,” he mouthed. Cayden glanced from Gage to Devon and back at Gage, but then cast his gaze downward and waited for the elevator doors to open.

Rolling his eyes, Gage leaned against the elevator wall. “We have a lot of work to do with this one,” he said to himself.

“So, I want those essays due by Monday. Anything turned in after Monday will receive an automatic F. Please remember that this is college, so don’t turn in a high school paper people. Use your brain and write something intelligent, please.”

Cayden King got up from his seat and began collecting his things as the other students filed out of the classroom.

“Cayden, Elijah. Come see me,” Professor Hirsch said as he motioned to Cayden and one other student. Glancing at the English Professor, Cayden nodded and slung his backpack over his shoulder, heading to the front of the room.

Joined by Elijah Montessori, Cayden glanced at the professor. “What’s up?” He questioned the professor as he stole a glance in Elijah’s direction.

“What’s up,” Professor Hirsch said as he glanced at the two students, “is that the two of you have presented me with a very big problem,” he explained as he reached into his briefcase and pulled out two papers. He set them down on the desk and glanced at the two boys.

“These are the papers you submitted last week. I’ve graded all of them except the two of yours,” he explained.

Glancing up at the professor, Cayden asked why.

“Because the two of you are either extremely intelligent, or you didn’t write these papers,” he explained.

“Whoa,” Elijah Montessori responded. “I wrote that paper,” he explained as he pointed to his work. “I stood up for hours every night checking and double checking my resources. That’s my work,” he explained.

Professor Hirsch nodded. “Cayden?” He questioned.

Pausing for a moment, Cayden glanced at the professor. “No, I wrote this paper,” he said. “I spent all of my time in the library making sure that it was perfect. No one else wrote that paper but me,” Cayden admitted.

“Interesting,” Professor Hirsch noted as he reached down and grabbed the papers, putting them into his briefcase. “I need to give this some more thought,” he explained. “What I read in these papers was incredible. I’ve been an English Professor for twenty years and I’ve never seen anything as intelligent or as well written as these two papers.”

Cayden smiled. “Thank you,” he said.

“Not so fast,” Professor Hirsch said. “Your essays had better have the same quality as these papers or you’ll receive an F on them and an F on these papers,” the professor said as he tapped his briefcase. “Have a good day, gentlemen,” he said as he exited the classroom.

Cayden glanced over at Elijah Montessori and smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Elijah eyed him carefully. “What are you, some kind of prodigy?” Elijah questioned.

“I could ask you the same question,” Cayden responded.

“Yeah, well . . . I was the valedictorian of my senior class,” Elijah explained.

“So was I,” Cayden admitted.

“Yeah, well good luck on your essay,” Elijah said as he stepped out of the classroom with a wave of his hand.

Sitting in the student’s lounge, Cayden King reached into his backpack and pulled out a shiny red apple. He took a bite as he glanced down at the reading material for his journalism class. In the back of his mind, he could not stop thinking about what Professor Hirsch had said. It brought a smile to his face to know that the Professor thought his paper was incredible.

In the corner of the room, two students were throwing a football back and forth as three girls watched and giggled. When one of the guys tripped over a couch, the girls were overcome with laughter. Cayden smiled and rolled his eyes.

Entering the room, a student glanced around as he handed out bright pink fliers. “Come to our meeting,” he said with a smile. “Come to our meeting.”

“Dude, it’s a gay club,” one of the football guys said. “That’s gross.” He crumbled the paper into a ball and tossed it into a trash bin. Paying no attention to the jock, the student continued throughout the room until he stood in front of Cayden.

“Hey,” he said, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I wanted to give you a flier,” he said as he handed Cayden a bright pink piece of paper.

Glancing up, Cayden reached for the flier and read the bold print across the top. “Gay Straight Alliance?” He questioned as he glanced up at the student. “How did you know?” Cayden questioned, slightly baffled. “Do I have a sign on my forehead?”

With a smile, the student shook his head. “No, I’m passing them out to everyone,” he explained. “I’m not using my gaydar or anything, if that’s what you think. It’s cool that you’re gay, though.”

“Oh,” Cayden responded, slightly embarrassed.

“I’m Dominick Perrotti, president of the GSA,” the guy said as he reached out with his hand. Cayden accepted it and they shook hands. “You should come to the meeting,” Dominick said. “We have a lot of great students involved in the GSA. So what’s you’re name?“

“Cayden King,” he responded.

“Cool name,” Dominick responded. “You just moved to New York?” he questioned.

“How did you know?” Cayden inquired.

“You don’t have that jaded, cynical New York look in your eyes yet,” Dominick answered. “You’re still fresh. So, do you have a boyfriend Cayden? You should bring him to the meeting.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m not really ‘out’ yet,” Cayden admitted. “I think only two people actually know,” he said, “well, three now.”

“That’s cool. No one has to know your sexuality. It’s the Gay Straight Alliance, for gay people and straight people,” he explained.

“I don’t know,” Cayden said as he gathered his books and put them into his backpack. “I have a lot of homework and studying to do. He shoved the flier into his backpack and stood up.

“It’s cool, we meet every Thursday in the club room, but someone’s usually there every day, so you can drop by whenever you get a chance,” Dominick explained.

“Okay,” Cayden responded with a nod. “It was nice meeting you.” Excusing himself, Cayden walked across the room to the vending machine and reached into his pocket.

Stepping over beside Dominick Perrotti, Elijah Montessori handed him his stack of pink fliers. “I’m done passing these out. Some guy almost threw a football at me,” he explained.

Staring at Cayden, Dominick motioned to him with his fliers. “Do you know that kid?” He questioned.

Elijah glanced over. “He’s in my journalism class, I think his name is Casey.”

“Cayden,” Dominick corrected.

“Whatever,” Elijah said with a shrug.

“He’s hot,” Dominick said with a smile.

“He’s probably not even gay, Dominick,” Elijah noted.

“Oh, he is,” Dominick said with a grin as he glanced over at Elijah.

“What’s that look for? He may be hot, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to fall for your charm,” Elijah explained. “I mean look at him. He’s white bread America.”

“He’s innocent,” Dominick explained. “I like that. All the other guys around here have been around the block more than a few times, but this one . . . this one is pure,” Dominick admitted.

“Well, he is kind of hot in that quiet nerdy kind of way,” Elijah agreed.

“Fifty bucks says I’ll nail him in no time,” Dominick wagered.

“You’re on,” Elijah Montessori said as he shook his friend’s hand. “That is if I don’t get there first,” he added with a smirk.

Stepping off the elevator on the ninth floor, Cayden headed for his apartment as he dug into his pocket to retrieve his keys. As he passed Gage’s door, it opened and Gage popped his head out. “What are you doing tonight?” Gage questioned.

Turning back, Cayden glanced at him for a moment. “Homework,” he responded.

“Eew,” Gage remarked, then shook his head. “You’re coming out with me,” he explained. “There’s a party.”

“A party?” Cayden questioned. “I can’t go. I have too much work to do.”

“It’s Friday night, Cayden. You can do your homework tomorrow. Tonight you’re going out and you’re going to have some fun,” Gage explained.

Standing in the hall, Cayden considered Gage’s offer. The truth was that when he decided to move to New York, he had all kinds of ideas about what he was going to do. He wanted to try new things and meet new people. Nodding, Cayden smiled.

“Okay,” he said, “Just let me throw something on.”

“That’s the spirit,” Gage said as he locked his door. “I’ll be downstairs in the limo,” he said as he walked toward the elevator.

“Limo?” Cayden questioned.

“You can’t show up to a party in a beat up old cab,” Gage explained. “Ya gotta show up in style.”

“Style. Right,” Cayden said with a nod as he unlocked his door and entered his apartment. Shutting the door behind him, he tossed his bag in the corner and darted into his bedroom. Searching his closet for something suitable to wear to a party, Cayden threw all of his clothes on the floor until he found something he liked.

Dressing quickly, he stood in front of the mirror and gave himself a quick check before rushing out of the bedroom.

“Going somewhere?” A voice questioned from the back of the living room.

Startled, Cayden nearly jumped out of his skin as he glanced at the window by the fire escape and saw Kathryn sitting out there.

“You nearly scared me half to death,” Cayden said as he walked over to the window.

“You really should close the window when you leave,” Kathryn informed him. “You wouldn’t want anyone to come in and steal your stuff. Lucky for you, I’m a good person. I could have stolen that computer in the corner,” Kathryn said as he motioned to it.

“Well, thanks for being so honest,” Cayden said. “What are you doing out there?”

“I told you, I like to look at the stars,” Kathryn responded. “I try to find the stars that I can see from back home and it makes me feel connected, you know? It makes it less unbearable being away from my family,” she said.

“I never thought of that,” Cayden admitted.

“You look spiffy,” Kathryn commented. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah, Gage invited me to some party. We’re taking a limo.”

“A limo, huh? Gage doesn’t spare any expense.”

“Yeah, where does he get his money?” Cayden questioned. “I don’t even think he has a job.”

“He doesn’t,” Kathryn explained. “His Daddy’s got big bucks and Gage gets an allowance.”

“Sweet,” Cayden responded.

“I guess,” Kathryn responded. “If you enjoy doing nothing with your life. I’m going to be a star,” she explained. “I’m going to get a lead in Broadway and become a famous dancer slash actress and win an Academy Award.”

Cayden smiled. “I can see that,” he admitted.

“Really?” Kathryn questioned.

“Definitely,” Cayden smiled. “I gotta go though. I’m gonna close this window,” he informed her.

“It’s cool,” Kathryn said, “have fun.”

“Thanks,” Cayden said as he pulled the window shut.

As he waited for the elevator to descend from the tenth floor, Cayden could feel the anticipation building inside of him. He was going to a party, but not just any party, he was going to a party in New York. He was giddy with excitement.

As the elevator doors opened, Cayden stepped forward and saw Jesse Martinez standing in the elevator. He paused momentarily, then stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the lobby.

“Hey,” Cayden said softly to the other man.

Jesse nodded slightly. “How are you?” He said after a moment’s silence. “How’s your neck?”

“It was raw for a few days,” Cayden responded, “But it’s better now. How’s your head?”

Jesse reached up and touched the back of his head with his fingertips. “It’s good,” he responded. “Have you heard anything else from Detective Skubisz about the guy that attacked us?” He inquired.

“I called him last week, but he said he didn’t have anything,” Cayden admitted.

“Interesting,” Jesse responded.

“What is?”

“Whoever attacked us stopped after you told everyone that you gave Julia’s stuff to Detective Skubisz. The only reason they went after you was because of Julia’s diaries. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. ”

“Yeah,” Cayden responded, thinking about the diary that he had kept from Detective Skubisz. “But now they have no reason to come after me. I don’t have her diary anymore.”

Jesse nodded and fell silent. “Did you read it?” He questioned after a moment. “I mean, when you had it, did you read the diary or the letters?”

Cayden glanced over at Jesse for a moment. “No,” he responded. “It felt kind of awkward. I mean, I didn’t know her, but I felt like I was betraying her every time I opened the diary. I couldn’t bring myself to read it.”

“She was intense,” Jesse explained. “She was honest and she loved people like crazy. I don’t think I could have read what she wrote either,” he admitted. “So what’s the deal with that outfit?” He questioned as the elevator doors opened onto the lobby and they stepped out.

“Oh, I’m going to a party with Gage,” Cayden explained.

“Cool,” Jesse said as he headed for the door. “Just don’t drink anything . . . or eat anything.”

“Why?” Cayden questioned.

“Because you’re going to a party with Gage,” Jesse explained, as if that was all Cayden needed to know. After a brief pause, Jesse smiled slightly. “You wouldn’t want to eat or drink anything that’s laced with an illegal substance,” he clarified, “and knowing Gage . . .”

“Oh, right,” Cayden said with a nod. “No food or drink for me.”

“Are you sure that I’m dressed okay,” Cayden questioned as he stood in the hall with Gage. He glanced down at himself and turned to Gage.

“Dude, you’re fine,” Gage commented. “But what’s with the tie?”

“You don’t like my tie?” Cayden questioned.

“It doesn’t matter what I like,” Gage responded. “What matters is what you like.” As Gage knocked on the door Cayden glanced at his own outfit, which consisted of dress pants, a button down shirt and a tie. Glancing at Gage, who wore blue jeans and a polo shirt, he felt immensely overdressed, and as the door to the party opened, Cayden’s fear was realized.

Stepping into the apartment, he glanced around at everyone in their jeans and casual shirts. Feeling like a complete fool, Cayden sighed and glanced at the ground as Gage greeted his friends.

“Let’s get a drink,” Gage said as he put his arm around Cayden’s shoulder and ushered him toward the kitchen.

“A drink?” Cayden inquired, knowing for certain that he’d be given something laced with acid or LSD and he’d spend the rest of the night sitting in the corner looking at his twenty-three fingers.

Reaching into a large tub of ice with what appeared to be dozens of bottles jammed into it, Gage handed Cayden a beer and took one for himself.

“I’m eighteen,” Cayden called out above the loud music.

“I’m not carding you,” Gage replied as he opened the beer and took a nice long sip. Glancing down at the beer in his hand, Cayden paused for a moment. “Dude, it’s only beer,” Gage assured him after taking another sip.

Opening the beer, Cayden nodded. “Yeah,” he said, “It’s only beer.” Glancing at Gage, Cayden shrugged and put the bottle to his lips and took a sip. The acrid taste touched his tongue and he grimaced slightly as he swallowed. “That’s nasty,” he said as he pulled the bottle away from his lips.

“That’s Heineken!” Gage responded, slightly offended.

“It’s still nasty,” Cayden assured him.

With a chuckle, Gage reached over and grabbed the bottle from Cayden. “More for me,” he said as he headed out of the kitchen, double-fisted with two bottles of Heineken.

Standing in the kitchen, Cayden smiled slightly and shook his head.

“Well, look who has a night life,” someone said as they stepped over to Cayden. Glancing over, Cayden caught sight of Dominick Perrotti and smiled.

“Hey.”

“What are you doing here?” Dominick questioned. “I didn’t take you for a party kind of guy.”

“I’m expanding my horizons,” Cayden responded. “Trying new things.”

“Try this,” Dominick said as he handed Cayden his cup. Cayden glanced down at it for a moment, uncertain if he should take a sip. Dominick chuckled. “There’s nothing in it but alcohol and pineapple juice, I promise.” Lifting the cup to his own lips, Dominick took a sip. “See,” he said as he handed to cup to Cayden.

Smiling, Cayden accepted it, feeling a whole lot better. He took a small sip and his eyes widened. “That’s good,” he admitted.

“I’ll make you one,” Dominick said as he turned to pour a drink for Cayden. “It tastes a lot better than that rancid stuff everyone else is drinking.”

“Yeah,” Cayden agreed.

Handing Cayden the drink, Dominick smiled. “Cheers,” he said as they bumped plastic cups. Cayden smiled and took a sip as Dominick Perrotti watched eagerly.

“I don’t think this is the way to the bathroom,” Cayden King giggled as he stepped into an empty bedroom and fell onto the bed. Dominick smiled and shut the door behind them. “Where’s Gage?” Cayden questioned. “He was supposed to do a shot with me. That liar!”

“Gage is fine,” Dominick responded. “He found some chick that’s doing belly shots. He’ll be busy for a while.”

“Belly shots?” Cayden questioned as he used all of his strength to sit up on the bed. “I gotta see this,” he giggled as he tried to stand up. He found that his legs weren’t working and he fell back onto the bed, a fit of laughter overcoming him.

“Why do my legs feel all wobbly?” Cayden inquired.

“Because you’re drunk,” Dominick responded as he crossed over to the bed and sat down beside Cayden, glancing down at him.

Rolling onto his back, Cayden giggled. “I’m not drunk, I only had one cup the entire night,” Cayden admitted.

“Yeah, but you kept refilling it,” Dominick explained.

“Oh,” Cayden said with a giggle, “I forgot about that. I feel good,” he noted.

“You can feel better,” Dominick informed him.

Cayden shook his head. “I don’t think I can feel any better than I do right now,” he admitted. “I feel like I’m on top of the world.”

“You definitely can feel better,” Dominick explained.

Glancing over at Dominick, Cayden smiled. “How?” He inquired.

Leaning over, Dominick pressed his lips to Cayden’s and kissed him. The surprise of Dominick’s bold move took Cayden off guard, but he settled into the kiss and closed his eyes. When he felt Dominick fumbling with his belt, it sent alarms off in Cayden’s head. In the next moment, he felt Dominick’s hand sliding down the front of his pants, beneath his underwear.

“Hey!” Cayden yelped as he pulled back and grabbed Dominick’s wrist. “What are you doing?”

“Relax,” Dominick Perrotti said as he removed Cayden’s hand from his wrist, “I can make you feel even better.”

Cayden shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said softly as he felt Dominick’s hand graze against his flesh. “I don’t think we should be doing this,” he said as he glanced around. “This is someone else’s room.”

“It’s cool,” Dominick insisted. “I’m sure they won’t mind. Just lay back.”

“Dominick,” Cayden said as he reached for his wrist again. “I’m not sure about this. I never . . .”

“You’re a virgin?” Dominick questioned.

Cayden fell silent.

“It’s cool, I’ve been with a lot of virgins before,” Dominick admitted. “I can go slow.”

Cayden glanced down at Dominick’s hand where it was inserted into his pants. He closed his eyes and tried to think of all of the reasons why he was resisting it so much. The truth was that he didn’t want his first time to be in someone else’s bedroom with some guy he’d only just met. He wanted romance. He wanted to be with someone that he was in love with, and he didn’t want to be drunk when it happened.

“No,” Cayden said as he tried to take Dominick’s hand out of his pants. Dominick seemed to become more forceful and he held Cayden down on the bed. “Dominick,” Cayden gasped as he felt his friend’s hand encircle his genitals. “Stop!”

Just as he yelled, the bedroom door was pushed wide open and Gage stumbled into the room. “Hey!” Gage shouted. “You’re gay!” A fit of laughter overcame him and he stumbled toward the bed.

Cayden pulled Dominick’s hand out of his pants and pushed him off of him, standing beside the bed. “Can we go home?” He asked Gage, the effects of the alcohol dissipating as he stood in the bedroom with the sobering reality that he almost did something that he wasn’t ready to do.

“Dude, I’m having a good time. This chick poured beer all over her boobs and let me lick it off,” Gage announced. “But I guess boobs aren’t your thing,” he said as he raised an eyebrow and glanced over at Cayden. You should have told me you were gay, I have this friend that’s into guys. I’m gonna hook you up with him,” Gage explained as he turned to the door.

“Jason!” Gage called out. “I want to introduce you to my friend! He’s a butt pirate like you!”

“No,” Cayden said, slightly embarrassed. “I’m gonna go,” he said as he stepped over toward Gage. “I’ll meet Jason some other time, okay?”

“You sure?” Gage questioned. “All the girls think Jason is hot, even some of the guys,” Gage giggled.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Cayden responded. “I just need to get home.” He glanced over at Dominick and saw him smiling. It was a drunken smile and Cayden shook his head slightly as he realized how drunk the both of them really were. “I’m gonna go,” he said as he stepped out of the bedroom.

“Okay,” Gage said with a shrug. Then, glancing at Dominick, he saw the smile on the guy’s face. “Dude . . . don’t look at me like that,” Gage giggled. “I’m drunk, but I’m not that drunk.”

Standing in front of the elevator in his apartment building, Cayden felt a pounding in his head that seemed inhuman. If that was what alcohol did to you, then he wasn’t going to ever drink again. Staring at the controls for a moment, he sighed and inwardly complained at how slow the elevator was. All he wanted to do was go back to his apartment and go to sleep and forget about everything that happened.

As he stood there, he realized that he’d allowed himself to get into a situation that he was entirely unprepared for. With a sigh he glanced up at the numbers above the elevators and realized that they weren’t moving. Glancing at the button, he realized why they weren’t moving, he hadn’t pressed the button to call the elevator.

With a chuckle, he reached forward and pressed the button and the elevator doors opened. Sighing, he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. The door began to close, but an arm shot out between them and opened the doors again.

“What, are you deaf?” Devon James questioned as she stepped into the elevator. “I asked you to hold the door like five times.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you,” Cayden apologized softly. He wasn’t in the mood for Devon James, not after the night he’d had.

“Well, that much is obvious. Get a clue next time. You’re such a waste of space,” she declared as she shook her head and pressed the button for the ninth floor. When the doors closed, she sighed.

“Why are you so mean?” Cayden questioned.

“Are you talking to me?” Devon inquired as she glanced over at Cayden. “I can’t believe this drunk son of a bitch is actually talking to me like this,” she noted aloud. “I’m mean because I can be,” she said to him.

“No,” Cayden said as he shook his head. “You’re mean because you’re a bitch,” He announced. “I’m sick of you already,” he said as he stepped forward. “You walk around here like you’re a queen and you treat everybody like crap. You play your music so loud that no one else can even hear themselves think, and you give everybody major attitude. I’m sorry that you lost your best friend and I’m sorry that she was murdered, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat people like crap. I’m sick of it,” Cayden announced.

“If you want to be a bitch that’s fine, be a bitch, but I am not going to take your shit anymore. I’m sick and tired of having to walk on eggshells around you all the time. You think you’re the only person around here that has problems? Well you’re wrong! You’re wrong, you’re unpleasant, and you’re rude. So shut the hell up and just let me go home and go to sleep without having to deal with you and your bullshit, okay?”

As he glanced at Devon, Cayden couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. His eyes widened with surprise at the thought of all of that bottled up anger that he just let loose on her.

Staring at Cayden, Devon blinked in silence and began laughing. Shaking her head as she laughed, she turned to him and smiled. “Well, look who just found his balls,” she commented. “Look, I have a bad attitude and I get pissed off easily and I have a big mouth,” she explained, “but that’s how I have to be to survive in this city.”

“Well, you don’t have to take it out on me,” Cayden responded. “I didn’t do anything to you. I’m just trying to survive here too, and it gets a little difficult when you treat me like crap.”

“I’m sorry if I made you feel like crap,” Devon said with a smile, “but I don’t know you. You moved into Julia’s apartment and I got pissed. It has nothing to do with you,” she explained. “I’m just mad that they haven’t found her killer.”

As the elevator doors opened, Devon stepped out and Cayden followed. “I understand,” Cayden responded, “but do you really have to be so unpleasant?” he inquired as they walked down the hall.

“Hey, don’t start being nice to me now. What happened to the guy in the elevator who called me a bitch?” Devon questioned. “Do you realize that you’re probably the first person that ever stood up to me like that? It takes a lot of balls to do something like that,” Devon admitted, “because I know I’m not exactly the easiest person to get along with lately.”

“I’m sorry if I offended you, I’ve never gone off on anyone like that before.”

“It’s okay,” Devon responded. “You’re right, I’m not the only person that has problems. But don’t ever call me a bitch again,” she demanded, “ because I’m pretty sure that I can kick your ass.”

Glancing at his door, Cayden paused for a moment. The door was wide open. “I locked that door,” Cayden said. Devon glanced at the door, then back at Cayden and stepped over to the apartment. Slowly, Cayden stepped in the doorway.

There was a mess in the apartment. Furniture was overturned, clothes were strewn about the place and his lamp was knocked over.

“What the hell happened here?” Cayden questioned.

“It looks like you just got robbed,” Devon explained. “Cayden King, welcome to New York.”

Sitting on the couch in the middle of his apartment, Cayden watched the police officers as they examined everything. At the door, Devon was talking to one of the uniformed officers and telling them exactly what she saw.

Mr. Rocky Balboa jumped onto the couch beside Cayden and he scooped him up. “Hey there,” he said softly, “did you see who did this?” He inquired. “Who was the bad man that came in here?” He questioned.

In the doorway, Szymon Skubisz entered the apartment and glanced around. When Cayden saw him he placed his cat on the couch and stood up as Szymon approached him. “Are you okay?” Szymon inquired as he glanced around the apartment.

“I’m fine,” Cayden responded.

“What are you doing here?” Devon James questioned as she approached them. “You’re a homicide detective, this is a burglary.”

Glancing at Devon, Szymon nodded. “I heard it over the radio and because of what happened two weeks ago, I thought I’d come by and check it out.” Beside Szymon stood a woman who seemed to glare at Devon.

“This is my partner, Cecilia Nakamura,” Szymon said as he motioned to her.

“Hello,” Cecilia said as she extended her hand to Cayden. Cayden received it and shook it. “Ms. James,” Cecilia said curtly as she nodded at Devon.

“Bitch,” Devon responded casually with a nod.

Cecilia rolled her eyes and glanced at Cayden. “Do you have any idea why someone would want to break into your apartment?” She inquired.

“I have no idea. I mean, I have a lot of valuable stuff,” he responded.

“They weren’t after your stuff,” Cecilia informed him. “Look around,” she said, “I mean, I’ve only been here less than a minute, but I can see that you’re computer’s still here, and your television, DVD player and radio are still here. When people break into an apartment, that’s usually what they grab.”

Glancing around, Cayden realized that Cecilia was right. All of his stuff was still here. “I don’t get it,” Cayden said softly.

“From the looks of the place, they were looking for something else,” Cecilia noted. “The overturned furniture and open drawers suggest that they were looking for something that was hidden. Do you have any idea what they may have been looking for?” She questioned.

“The diary!” Cayden said to himself, then tensed up. “I have no idea what they were looking for,” Cayden said aloud. “Excuse me,” he said as he reached up to his head. “I have a pounding headache.”

Stepping forward, Szymon grabbed Cayden’s arm when it appeared as if he were going to stumble and fall. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Szymon inquired. Cayden glanced up into his eyes and nodded.

“I’m fine,” Cayden said with a smile. “I just need some aspirin. Excuse me,” he said as he headed to the bathroom.

“Okay,” Szymon said as he watched Cayden leave. Turning toward Cecilia, he saw a smile on her face. “What?” Szymon questioned.

“Are you okay?” Cecilia mocked.

“He was going to fall,” Szymon responded.

“Yeah, and you wanted him to fall right into your arms, didn’t you?” Cecilia teased.

Glancing around the room, Szymon’s face went white. “Shut up,” he whispered as he stepped away

Cayden rushed into the bathroom and pushed the door behind him. Getting down onto his knees, he searched under the sink for the diary and when his hand grazed over it, he sighed with relief. Pulling it out of its hiding place, he glanced down at the black leather bound book and considered handing it over to Detective Skubisz. There was no reason for him to hold onto it, he couldn’t bring himself to read it anyway.

“Is that what they were looking for?” Devon James questioned. Glancing up with surprise, Cayden realized that he hadn’t shut the door completely and Devon was standing there looking at him. “What is it?” She questioned.

Sitting on the floor of the bathroom, Cayden glanced at the tub for a moment. “It’s Julia’s diary,” he whispered softly.

“You kept it?” Devon questioned as she stepped into the bathroom and shut the door.

“I kept it,” Cayden admitted.

“Why?”

“Because I was curious,” Cayden admitted. “But I think my curiosity is coming to an end. Someone came in here looking for this. How do they know that I kept it? I feel like someone is watching me.”

“What are you going to do with it?” Devon asked.

“I’m going to give it to Skubisz,” Cayden responded as he started to get up. A knock at the door startled the both of them.

“Cayden, it’s Detective Skubisz. Are you okay?” The detective questioned from the other side of the door.

“Wait,” Devon whispered as she stood in front of the door. “Just let me say what I have to say and then you can decide if you want to hand the diary over to him,” she pleaded. Turning, she opened the door and Szymon glanced past her at Cayden.

“Are you okay?” He questioned.

Hiding the diary behind his back, Cayden nodded. “I’m fine,” he said.

“You look pale,” Szymon said. “Maybe I should have someone take a look at you, just to be sure.”

“He’ll be fine,” Devon interjected. “I think he’s a little freaked out by the idea that someone broke into his home. Give us a minute,” she said as she closed the door. Turning to Cayden, Devon glanced at him.

“Julia Taylor was my best friend,” she said softly. “I want to find out who killed her. Those cops out there haven’t been able to find her killer. They think Jesse did it, for crying out loud. You’ve spoken to Jesse. Do you really think he’s a murderer?”

“No,” Cayden said as he shook his head.

“They don’t know what they’re doing. Skubisz is sure that Jesse’s the killer and Nakamura flat out told me that she suspects that I killed Julia. I loved Julia like a sister. I would never have killed her. Cayden,” she said as she took a step forward, “they won’t be able to find her killer because they’re too blinded by what they think they know. We can’t trust them to solve this case. If anything in that diary could lead to finding the person who killed Julia, I want know what it is. If you turn the diary over to those people, we’ll never know who did it,” she explained.

Glancing down at the diary, Cayden paused. “If we do this,” Cayden said softly, “if we use what’s in this diary to try and find her killer, I need to know that you’re not going to do anything crazy. I need to know that no matter what we find in this diary . . . even if we find out who could have done it, that you’ll agree to turn it over to the police and let them deal with it. Can you do that?” He questioned as he glanced into Devon’s eyes.

Staring back at him, Devon nodded. “We’ll work together,” she responded. “Well work together to find Julia’s killer.”