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“You think you can threaten me? Come on. Step out in the open and face me man to man and we’ll see if you have what it takes, you disgusting lunatic. You set fires because buildings can’t fight back, huh? I can fight back. Just come and see,” I scream, and the man disconnects the call. I stare at my phone, breathing hard.
My mind races, remembering the shadowy figure at the restaurant that night and the man in the parking lot of the shelter the following day. Has this nut job been following me? Why? Sara comes back from kenneling Lucky, and as I look at her, I realize that the only thing that matters is keeping her safe. I need to keep my wits about me. This might just be a prank, but right now, I have to treat it as a threat. I can’t afford not to.
“Sara, we have to leave now. Get Lucky. He’s coming with us,” I tell her and when she sees the expression on my face, she doesn’t argue.
We exit the shelter and I hold up my hand, signaling for her to wait. I survey the lot for any signs of life, and when I think it’s clear, I take her by the hand and lead her to the truck.
“Can you just tell me what’s going on?” she asks. She tugs on my hand, her eyes wide and almost panicking.
“Listen, I don’t want you to worry, but the guy that came in looking for his lost dog may be the guy who set the fire in the building where I found Lucky. It might just be some kind of prank, but if it’s not, I’m gonna take care of it.” She needs to know that something’s going on, but I don’t want to tell her too much because I don’t want to scare her. I need her complete trust and cooperation, but I refuse to spook her in case this turns out to be nothing.
“I don’t understand. Why would he come to the shelter?”
“I don’t know, Sara. But for now, you and Lucky are staying with me. We’re going to go to your place so you can pack a bag.”
“Do you think we’re in some kind of danger?” Her voice breaks, so I cup her face and kiss her lightly on the lips.
“You’ll never have to worry, I promise you. As long as I’m breathing, no one will ever hurt you.” Without breaking eye contact, I continue, “Besides, things like this happen sometimes. A story hits the news and some crackpot tries to use it to get attention, but they’re usually harmless. It’s just better to be safe than sorry and nothing for you to worry about.”
“Well, we’ll need to stop off and get supplies for Lucky, too,” she says and I can see that my attempts to downplay the situation aren’t working.
“It’s gonna be fun. I’ve never had a dog. You can teach me how to take care of him, and I get to spend more time with you. When you think of it that way, this guy just did me a favor.” She smiles for the first time, and something eases in my chest. I’ll never let anyone hurt her.
* * *
When Sara’ssettled in at my place, I step outside and call the chief to let him know what’s been happening.
“Listen, Chief, I don’t know if this is real or not but I got a call from a guy claiming to be the arsonist. It might be just a prank, but he says he’s seen me on the news and that I’m trying to steal his glory. He’s making threats, and I know he’s been to the animal shelter where I dropped off the dog.”
“Can you identify this guy? If you’ve seen him, I’m going to need you to give a description and any other information you have to the police.”
“So, you think this is credible and not just a prank?” I ask him.
“I told you that the Fire Marshall believed that he could connect the two fires to the same perpetrator. Well, he’s been looking back at other cases and has found at least two more where the same accelerant was used. He’s reached out to departments in the surrounding area as well. It looks like we’re dealing with a serial arsonist here,” he explains, frustration evident in his voice.
“So, I need to take this seriously?” I’m beyond pissed off, but more than that, my protective instincts kick in when I think about Sara. That madman underestimates me if he thinks he can threaten her and I’m not gonna do anything about it. Sara’s more than just a girlfriend. Right now, she’s my whole life.
“Yeah, Sam. If I were you, I would,” he replies. “We know that serial arsonists can be motivated by the need for excitement and attention, and this guy thinks you’re stealing the spotlight. Take it seriously and watch your back.”
My blood runs cold as I consider the chief's warning. I’ve never had to watch my back, and I’ve never backed down from a fight. If this guy wants to make this personal, I’ll make sure he gets what he deserves.
9
Sam’s Place
Sara
Sam is sleeping in this morning, and I’m not at all surprised. He’s been getting up several times a night, and I know that he’s checking to make sure that we’re safe, but I won’t say anything because I know he doesn’t want me to worry.
“Good morning, princess,” he calls out from behind me.
“Did I wake you?” I ask. “I was trying to be quiet. I thought I’d make some breakfast.”
“It’s alright,” he answers, grabbing me from behind and kissing my neck.
I put down my coffee mug and spin around, throwing my arms around his neck. He looks at me with hooded eyes. “All I want for breakfast is you.”
“But I’m making eggs,” I whine, and he slaps me hard on the ass. I gasp and pretend to be angry. “What’s that for?”
