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I’ve yet to fully grasp that someone has been tracking me. Watching me. Listening to me. I watch the news and have seen movies where things like this happen but never did I imagine I would be one of the women to fall victim to something so diabolical.
The words of my last counseling session are in the forefront of my mind. I need to accept this is not my fault. For years I’ve blamed myself for allowing this to happen. How could I be so naïve? What did I do to make this person believe he could behave like this?
A knock draws me away from my thoughts. Leaning in the doorway, arms crossed and a slight grin on his face, stands Gage. His large body takes up much of the frame and I allow myself the seconds it takes to sit up on my bed to appreciate his lean form and broad shoulders.
“Oh... uh... hey,” I stammer.
My hand reaches for my journal and I place it in the nightstand drawer. Gage’s eyes follow my movements, heating my skin. He must think I’m childish for having this journal. He didn’t say anything when he purchased them but I can imagine how this looks. When he walked in I was lying on my stomach with my feet crossed at the ankle. All I’m missing is a magazine with a teen heartthrob on the cover and the scene would be closer to a pre-teen waiting for her mom to call her to dinner.
“You’re actually using one of those books.”
With a giggle I say, “Of course. That’s why I wanted them.”
“Cool.”
“Thanks. So what brings you by?”
Standing straight, Gage slips his hands in his pockets. “Sorry for coming to your room. Joan was on the phone and told me to come up. I didn’t think about how it would make you feel until I had knocked.”
I tilt my head slightly and process what he’s said. Why would it... oh. I check my body and there’s not even a twinge of anxiety or fear. I wasn’t startled when he knocked and, if he hadn’t said anything, it never would have occurred to me to be frightened. I’m more embarrassed than anything else for him catching me writing about him in my journal.
“Oddly enough, I’m okay. Wow. It’s been a long time since something hasn’t startled me. Now if I could just sleep more than a handful of hours.”
He laughs and nods. “Same. Anyway, I wanted to let you know Bruce will be calling Bobbi today. He usually does on Sundays and I thought you may like to speak to him.”
My smile falls and reality crashes into me like a tidal wave. Gone is the newly rediscovered feeling of normalcy and in its place is the familiar one of dread. I do want to know what is happening with the investigation, and I’d love to make sure Morgan is safe. But I worry about what will happen after the call. Will the peace I find here disappear?
Gage moves across the room and stands before me, his eyes searching my own as his hand grips my elbow. “Hey, hey. It’s okay. Don’t be upset. I’m sorry. Shit, I’m messing this up. I didn’t mean to spring that on you.”
I look at Gage’s face and smile. “I’m okay. Sorry. My mind started spinning. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
His eyes close and he exhales through his nose. “I thought... sorry.”
“Maybe we should stop apologizing to each other?” I ask with a smile.
“Yeah. Sor—”
“Come on, Officer Castillo. I hear Bobbi has the best pancakes in town. You can buy me breakfast while we wait for the call.”
I slip my feet into a pair of sneakers and sling my purse across my body. When I reach the bedroom door, I notice Gage hasn’t moved.
“Coming?”
“Well, Bruce doesn’t call until around four. I was just...”
“Oh. Of course. That makes sense.”
Shaking my head, I begin to remove my purse but his words stop me. “Bobbi does have great pancakes. If you’re comfortable with me coming with you.”
“I don’t want to force you to go. I can meet you later.”
Gage steps forward and a sheepish smile appears. “I’ll make you a deal. After breakfast, you have to stop by Tackle and More with me.”
I follow him out of my room and to his truck peppering him with questions of what the more of Tackle and More could be.
• • •
“I’m a little overwhelmed.”
