I See You (16 page)

I smile to myself. It’s nice to see her finally putting Noah’s monstrous act behind her. Not only does it mean she’s finally moving on, but she’s also more likely to let me in. And I crave that more than air. The last few weeks spent with her in her yard have been the best. And although there have been a few intense moments where it seems like we’re getting closer, I’m content with her friendship. I hadn’t realized how lonely my life had been until I spent time with Nina. It saddens me as my thoughts regularly move to Noah and how much I really do miss him.

I missed her return yesterday. Being bored out of my skull now that Nina’s job is thwarting my watch over her, I ended up at the pub in town. I can’t even remember getting home due to the sheer volume of whisky I consumed. I don’t do it often enough. Although I’d sat in a corner completely on my own, the peace in my mind amazed me. I’d people watched, played a game with myself as to what each resident did with their lives. And I’d pictured Nina and I, us a couple, both of us playing the game.

Another smile lifts my lips at the thought, and I make my way down the stairs. I’m happy this morning, and pleased I’m not suffering from a hangover.

I roll my eyes with amusement when I catch Steve climbing through the window in the hallway. He looks up at me and gives me a quiet meow in greeting.

“Mommy left you again?” Steve has been coming to me for days, his visits coinciding with Nina’s work hours. He was used to the full daytime attention from her, and now that she’s going out he’s struggling with the isolation, so he visits me and we’ve formed a strange friendship.

My breath catches in my throat when I walk into the kitchen. My eyes furiously scan my surroundings as my nose catches a tell-tale fishy smell. Steve, oblivious to the offending item, jumps onto the table and sticks his nose in the open pizza box, his small tongue lapping at the tuna and cheese pizza. I hate tuna.
Noah loves it
.

My throat aches as I stand frozen and mute in the middle of the room. He’s been here. He must have. There is no way I would buy that shit. My teeth crack under the pressure when my jaw clenches.

I swat Steve out of the way, unlock the back door, and throw the disgusting pizza in the trash, my gaze roaming the garden to find anything out of place. But other than the pizza, there’s nothing.

I blink, trying to get my mind to work through last night’s activities but I can’t remember much after the sixth whiskey.

“Shit!”

This is bad news, especially now Nina is moving on. I want to warn her but I know it’ll put her back again and compromise the friendship we’ve established. Yet I also know that, whether warned or not, if Noah wants her, then he’ll get to her.

My hands shake as I pour coffee, my heart pounding in rhythm with the vibrations in my body as I lower myself into a chair and fire up the laptop.

Steve is wrapping himself around my legs, his purr loud in the quiet. I know he wants food but I’m too shaken up to get back up, my legs like jelly and my hands unable to hold my mug.

A ping at the laptop catches my attention and I look down. My stomach vaults up my throat, last night’s alcohol making a swift return when the email pops up in the top right-hand corner.

TO: Devon2035

FROM: NOAH

Hello brother. Nice house.

. . . and a very pretty neighbor.

“P
OINT ROSE TOWN SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
,” I sing down the phone when I answer the first call of the afternoon.

I roll my eyes when Mrs. Perry’s gravelly voice slurs through the earpiece. Even though I’ve only been working here a few weeks, I’m already familiar with Mrs. Perry and her paranoia. I thought I was bad but this woman makes me seem like a normal, sane individual. “Nina? Is that you, dear?”

“It is, Mrs. Perry. Good afternoon. What can I do for you today?”

“Richie’s been again. He’s taken some beans and my favorite candy.”

I stifle the groan and try to sound polite. “Mrs. Perry, I urge you again to take the key from Richie. There’s really nothing we can do if you keep allowing your son access to your home.”

“But he stole from me. I can’t afford to replace the items.”

“I shall make sure the items are returned Mrs. Perry,” I promise, making a note to call into the store and pick up the darn items myself.

I catch Luke smirking at me as he passes the front desk, his characteristic amused grin making me chuckle to myself. He mimics playing a violin and I reach over and slap him, giving him a mock glare. He laughs and disappears into his office.

“Oh, so you’re going to send an officer here?”

I debate sending Luke to her house, just for payback, but even I’m not that cruel. “I’m sorry but all the officers are out dealing with emergencies. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure the goods are returned today.” I end the call before she can argue with me and shake my head.

Gerry quirks a brow at me. “Had enough yet?”

I laugh. “She’s just old and lonely.”

He scoffs. “Are you surprised she’s lonely? The woman makes Annie Wilkes look normal.”
‘And me’
comes to mind but I shake my head at him.

“You read
Misery
?” I question with a suspicious undertone.

“I read,” he says, but I keep a raised brow and a narrowed eye on him until he breaks. “Fine. I saw the movie. Who has time to read these days?”

“Smart people,” I counter in jest.

“Is it lunch time yet?” Luke shouts from his office.

Brady, Logan’s deputy and department skirt chaser—according to Gerry, checks his watch and nods. “Right on time.” Both Gerry and I look at the large clock on the wall and as Brady stated, Luke is right on time. He is more reliable than an alarm clock where food is concerned.

I smile and pick up my purse. “Usual?” I shout back. He looks up from his desk and grins at me through the window.

“Where have you been all my life?” he asks as he places his hand over his heart.

“Avoiding you!” Gerry says as I make my way out.

Betty looks up and smiles when she sees me enter her teashop. “Hey, Nina. The usual?”

I nod. “Of course, although I think I’ll have just a scone. My stomach seems a little tender today.”

Her face falls and she looks at me with concern. “Oh, I do hope you’re not coming down with something.”

“Mmm, me too.”

“Would you like butter, dear?”

I nod and smile. “Please,” I mumble, picking up a flyer as she turns back into the kitchen. It’s advertising the town festival coming next weekend. My mouth dries. I’d love to go but the crowds and noise might be a bit too much.

“We can go together if you want,” a voice whispers over my shoulder.

I spin around and smile at Devon. “Hello.”

His smile is huge, his eyes lighting as he regards me. “Do you want to?” I frown at him in confusion. “The festival. If it’s a bit too much for you on your own, I would be more than happy to go with you. We’re both new here so it would probably be a good idea.” He leans forwards and rests his mouth at my ear. “I’ll protect you from the crazy village people.”

I can’t help but chuckle, even though a throb hits my belly with his closeness. His warm breath on my neck causes a shiver to ripple down my spine. I’m almost panting when I look up at him. His expression has softened and his smile has disappeared, giving him an intense look. My mouth dries as I stare up at him, his eyes boring into me as if he’s experiencing the same tingling sensation.

“Would you like jelly on your scone?” Betty shouts from the back of the store, making me blink and step back.

“Umm, yes.” I shout back. “Yes, please.”

“So?” Devon asks, and I blink.

“Sorry, what?”

He laughs loudly and shakes his head. “The festival, Nina. Do you want to go?”

“Oh.” I glance back down to the flyer in my hand, the stalls and entertainment promised making me long to go, so once again forcing my courage, I nod. “Yeah, why not?”

He grins. “It’s a date.”

My eyes widen in shock but he’s gone. That was the last thing I meant. He’s my neighbor, my friend. I hope he doesn’t think there’s something more in it for him. I admit there’s something about Devon that makes my body aware for the first time in so long, but I can’t act on it. The thought of having an intimate relationship again makes my stomach heave, and the repulsive scars that decorate nearly every inch of my skin would surely douse any desire he has for me.

I can’t help but let my gaze fall to his backside as he walks towards his car across the street, right outside the office. I hadn’t even seen it. So much for my vigilance.

I
FLING MY KEYS IN
the bowl on the dresser by the front door. I can’t stop grinning. I’m already thinking about what I should wear to the festival. Jeans and a smart tee? Dress pants and a shirt? Jeans and a dress shirt? Damn, I’m acting like a woman, but this is progress for both of us. She’d shut herself away from the world, and little does she know, I’ve lived my whole life doing the same.

Steve purrs up at me, greeting me into my own home. “Hey, buddy.” I scoop him up and carry him to the kitchen, placing him and my groceries onto the counter before pulling out a can of his favorite salmon. “Got you a treat today.”

He nuzzles me. I like that we’ve become friends. I dig out a portion of fish onto his saucer, and he dives in hungrily. I must remember to tell Nina of my frequent visitor; she’ll be wondering why his stomach is getting bigger.

I grab a can of soda, walk into the lounge, and sink onto the sofa. I frown when I place my soda down and see the TV remote control on the coffee table. I’m sure I put it back in its place before I went out last night. It’s then that I notice the television on standby, the orange flashing light telling of my absentmindedness.

I don’t know why or what makes me press the power button, but when I do and the paused image springs to life, I can’t seem to take a breath.

I watch with wide eyes the sway of her long dark hair as she hangs from the chain, her slim body covered in blood and filth. She’s unconscious, her naked body swaying in the still of the bare room. I can’t drag my eyes away from the horrific scene. My fingers twitch and I hate the emptiness in my hand. I miss my camera but I hate that I miss it more. There are no shadows and no other items in the dimly lit room, but I know he’s there, taunting me from behind his own camera.