“Hmmm,” Gordon replied.
“Yeah,” Heather said. “I’m not buying that.”
“Lizzie’s car was found in West Virginia, but she’s missing. Since she and Randy were blackmailing me for money, I won’t let my guard down.”
“We’re so sorry our family has caused you this much trouble,” Gordon said.
“No apology necessary,” Dakota replied.
Sammy came racing into the kitchen. Providence close on her heels. “Daddy, this puppy. He’s soooo smart!”
“I think Beacon is smarter than I am,” Providence said.
Her dad laughed.
“Doubtful,” her mom replied.
After dinner on the screened porch, Gordon brought out a few board games that were age appropriate for a four-year-old. For the first time in weeks, some of the tension gripping Dakota’s back slipped away. The vibrant pink sky melted into the horizon, replaced by a star-filled night sky.
His phone rang. It was his home security system. Pushing away from the table, he answered.
“Mr. Luck, this is Bob with Secure Home Systems. We got an alert that your home security system was triggered. Did you or someone in your household set off the alarm?”
“No. I didn’t get an alert that my security system detected motion. Hold on.” He checked his home surveillance system, but there was nothing. “Which door?”
“The garage door into the kitchen. The police have been notified.”
“Is the alarm still ringing?”
“No, sir. I turned it off.”
Dakota thanked him and hung up. Providence was by his side. “What’s going on?”
“The home alarm went off. The police are on their way. I’ll meet them over there and walk through the house with them.”
“Do you think it’s Lizzie?”
“Could be.”
“Do you have your weapon?”
He lifted his pants. The smaller Glock was in his ankle holster.
“I’ll stay with Sammy. Call me once you’ve cleared the house.”
One quick kiss and he bolted. From time to time, the alarm had gone off while he’d been at work. Neither he nor the police had found any sign of an intruder. Would Lizzie be so bold as to break into his home? He was about to find out.
He parked in his driveway and tapped the garage door opener as an officer walked around from the side of his house.
“Are you the homeowner?” he asked, flashlight in hand.
“I am.” He extended his hand. “Dakota Luck.”
“Officer Brentwood. Sorry to ask, but can I see your ID?”
Dakota showed him his driver’s license.
“Thanks,” Brentwood said. “I walked the perimeter of your home and didn’t see a point of entry.”
