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“Hello? Anyone there?” I call out as I move farther into the backyard, toward the guesthouse. The flashlight blinks in and out, and my heart beats faster. “Oh no. Don’t you—shoot.” The flashlight dies, and I’m left in complete darkness. Panic crawls up my spine. Shuffling sounds echo from the side of the guesthouse, and I freeze. Thankfully the motion sensor lights kick in. I start to walk closer and squeal as a plump raccoon jumps out of the garbage. His beady eyes turn in my direction, and I panic, whipping the rolling pin at him, thinking he’s about to mistaken me for his next meal. I twist around so fast, I almost sprain both ankles and slam into a hard barrier. I let out a harsh scream when two hands grip my shoulders.
“Relax, it’s just me.” I take a panicked breath as I look up at Jonathon. “Jesus, you’re shaking.”
“Well, yeah, you just scared the living hell out of me.”
“My apologies. I saw you walk out. What are you doing out here?”
“I heard something. So, I thought I’d be a hero and go investigate.”
“No one has entered the property. I would have been notified.”
“Yeah, I solved the mystery. Turns out it was a raccoon feasting off the garbage.”
“Ahhh…” He releases a low chuckle. “Some things do tend to get past my security.” He releases me. “Your safety is most important to me. Next time, don’t venture out here. Call me.”
Words suddenly escape me, so I nod.
“Good. Let’s get you inside.” He offers for me to go first, and I trek back up the lawn until we reach the steps to the back of the house.
When we get inside, I grab for my purse. “Well, if you’re home, I’m going to get—”
“Sit with me.”
“Excuse me?”
“Keep me company while I have a drink. I’ve had a long day. I’d love for you to fill me in on today.”
I quickly glance at the time. It’s a quarter to eight. “Uhm…”
“Just one.” He walks over to a cabinet and reaches for a bottle of bourbon. “How was Anna’s day? She wasn’t too upset I couldn’t be home for dinner, was she?” He pulls down a crystal glass.
“Uh…it was good. We played a lot. Made cookies. Sang every song she knows a million times. She has no off switch.”
Jonathon laughs, pouring the brown liquid into his glass. He turns to face me. “She gets that from her mother. She was always on the go. If you can imagine, I was a lot thinner when she was alive. She kept me going.” He occupies a seat at the island, taking a deep sip of his drink. He seems to get lost for a moment. Blinking, he changes the subject. “She loves having you here. She’s never been this way with any of the other nannies.”
“And what happened to the last one?”
Crap. Did that just come out of my mouth? My stupid father and his comment about the missing nanny. And then there’s the locked door in the basement he made clear is off limits. I can’t deny there’s something extremely mysterious about him. As if he’s hiding something. Yeah, the nanny chained up in his locked room. Jesus, shut up, Bridget. “I—I don’t know why I just asked that. You don’t have to answer—”
Jonathon shoots back the rest of his drink. His mood darkens, and he slams the glass on the counter. “We had a misunderstanding. It was best she found employment elsewhere.”
Okay. His reaction doesn’t ease my suspicions.
Could my father be right? I’m about to be stupid and ask what happened to his wife. “What about—?” My phone buzzes. I pull it from my pocket and read the text.
Chase your boyfriend: Your chariot has arrived.
“Never mind. My boyfriend’s here. Um, have a good night.”
A battle brews behind those eyes as he stares back at me. I feel guilty for asking the question I did. They hit a nerve. He catches himself staring and blinks, pulling at his tie to loosen his collar. “Yes. Have a good night.”
I make my getaway, thankful to see Chase’s truck. Climbing up, I jump in. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself, Angel. Long day? You look stressed.” I sigh and lean back, adjusting my seat belt. “What? What happened? Did that douchebag try something? I knew he was—”
“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just…”
“Bridge, you’re freaking me out. Did that motherfucker do something to you?”
I angle myself so I’m facing him. “No, I promise.” Maybe having this conversation with Chase is a bad idea. The last thing I need is for him to go macho man on me and cause trouble. And who’s to say this isn’t me overthinking? I’ve had a long day. And the false alarm with the dumpster diving raccoon still has me a little shaken. “Honestly, it’s nothing. I’ve had a long day and just feel bad for Anna. Her father’s gone so much. She misses him.”
