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Rock moved his hand toward his own pocket, but stopped when the hair on his neck decided to march toward his scalp. Someone watched them.
He made a visual pass around the restaurant. Not a single person stood out as not belonging. If Allison’s stalker sat inside, he blended in with the well-dressed individuals. Did that mean her stalker was an older individual? Except for him and Allison, everyone looked to be at least in their fifties. He’d expected the SOB to be younger.
“Abby, is that William and Louisa near the windows?” Mark asked, interrupting his wife as she and Allison further discussed a possible lunch date next weekend.
Allison’s stepmom looked toward the windows. He did the same and found the couple in question staring back at their table. Explains whose watching us.
“It is.” She sent the couple a wave, which brought them to their feet and toward the table.
“Louisa and Abby used to serve on Barrington’s Historical Preservation Society together before her husband got elected to Congress,” Allison explained as he watched the couple cross the room and the sense of being watched disappeared.
Even with the minor mystery solved, he examined the room one more time. Everyone looked harmless enough. That didn’t mean they were. The sooner he got Allison home behind a locked door, the better.
***
“Ouch, that looks bad,” Allison said when she stepped out of his truck, her eyes fixed on the accident down the street.
He agreed. Judging by the damage to both the vehicle and the utility pole, he doubted the driver or any passengers had survived the accident. “Probably some idiot drank to much and got behind the wheel.” He’d almost lost a friend in a drunk driving accident. Somehow though, the guy managed to make it through. Unfortunately, he now spent his days confined to a wheelchair. “Hope he didn’t have anyone with him.” Rock touched her back and gave her a little nudge. Outside she remained too exposed.
Allison took the hint and started walking. “Dad really likes you.” Her hair brushed against his arm while he unlocked the front door. “Abby does too. They’re looking forward to our visit next weekend.”
Rock pushed open the door and stepped inside first. The chance of someone waiting inside was slim, but better safe than sorry. “How’d you come to that conclusion?” Allison had left him only once all night when she and Abby went to the restroom, so he’d heard everything her father said.
“Abby told me in the ladies room. And Dad whispered it when he hugged me before we left.” Allison flipped the switch near the door but nothing happened. Considering the accident
outside, he expected no power.
“Tell me you’ve got flashlights.”
Just enough light came through the windows for him to see her expression, but the sunlight was fading fast. “Afraid of the dark? Don’t worry, I’ll protect you tonight.” She kissed his cheek before she passed by him.
“The backup battery for the security system is only going to last a few hours. Assuming we can arm it at all. Some won’t let you set them if only battery power is available. It’s a stupid design in my opinion. Either way, it’s getting dark, and if the powers not back soon, it’ll leave us vulnerable. We’ll need some light.” He had one flashlight, but he’d prefer more. “If we can arm the system, do ya know the battery life?”
Her smile vanished. “Right. Sorry. I didn’t even think of the alarm.”
He hated she needed to now. Until they got the bastard, they had no alternative.
“Uh, no. I’ve got no idea how long the battery will last. The system was here when I moved in, so I don’t know anything about it. But I’ve got flashlights and candles. If you want to let Baxter out, I’ll get them.”
Baxter’s whine got louder the longer they spoke. Once the dog heard voices in the house, he assumed it meant he needed out of his crate so he could play or eat. He didn’t seem to care which came first. “Grab any extra batteries you have for the flashlights too.”
Since he’d moved in, they’d kept Baxter’s crate in the laundry room off the kitchen. The dog hated it, and Rock didn’t blame him. Most of the time he left Baxter free in his apartment. Only on those rare occasions did he lock him up for long periods of time. Even when he got deployed and the dog stayed with his parents, Baxter remained free to roam the house while they worked. Allison’s place was a different story.
“How ya doing, buddy?” He crouched down and unlocked the door. Right away the dog bolted outside into the hall, turned around, and raced back to him. Baxter stopped long enough to lick Rock’s hand before he bolted out the door again and toward the kitchen. He’d learned quickly to head for the back door when he wanted outside.
“Didn’t find too many extra batteries. But we’ve got two big Maglites and this.” She held up the headlamp designed for running outside.
Rock let the dog out into the backyard, if you could even call it a yard. It was more like a fenced in square patch of grass barely large enough for the small patio table and chairs placed out there. However, it gave Baxter a place to take care of his business, so Rock didn’t have to leave Allison alone while he walked him.
“And I’ve got one upstairs.” He always kept at least one compact-sized, lithium-powered flashlight around. The things were powerful despite their size. He’d even bought his mother one for Christmas a year or two ago to keep in her purse.
A scratching at the back door let them know Baxter wanted back inside, and Allison dropped everything on the table. “I got it.”
Rock moved before she finished her sentence. “Don’t think so.”
“People don’t scratch at doors, Rock. It’s the dog ready to come in.” Her voice projected annoyance and frustration.
Neither changed his mind. “It sucks, I know. But for now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” He let Baxter inside, and the dog went straight for the cupboard where they’d stashed his food and treats.
