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Hank had followed me home and I hadn’t objected. He brought me dinner and ice packs while I stayed in my room with the lights off, curled up in a ball on my bed, trying to live through the pain in my head. I think he slept on the downstairs couch again, and Hazel stayed in the office.
In the morning my hearing was back but still shaky. Hanktook me to my doctor’s appointment in his rental car, helping me to walk with an arm around my waist and doing all the talking for me with medical people so I could keep my noise-canceling headphones on and big dark sunglasses. I was told to take it easy for at least a week.
After Hank got me home, he held up his cell and texted.
Hank: Got to go so I can catch a late flight back tonight.
Sally: Thank you for getting me through the last 24 hours.
Hank: Always. I wish we could talk but you need to rest. Get in touch when you’re feeling better.
Sally: Take care Hank.
Hank: Hey don’t give up on us. Talk to you soon.
He hugged me and I rested my head on his shoulder, taking in his woodsy cedar scent one last time. Then I pulled away and limped down to my bedroom without glancing back.
I sent a text to all of my housemates letting them know the stalker had been caught, and a bare bones version of what had happened. They all sent love and concern my way and returned back to the house over the next couple days.
By Monday, Charley and I were out by the pool again. I’d contacted my professors because I was staying home all week, keeping Charley company and letting my ears recover.
Hazel popped her head over the upstairs balcony. “Sally, a Peter Capelli is buzzing at the gate. Should I let him in?”
I put my hand up to block the sun. “Yes. Send him out here please.”
“Got it.”
Even though it was barely seventy degrees out, I was sunbathing in a skimpy bikini, soaking up the last summer rays since rain was forecast for the end of the week. I stood up and put on my cover-up dress.
The door at the top of the stairs opened and Peterappeared, carrying a huge bouquet of sunflowers, zinnia, and dahlias. I smiled at him as he trotted down the stairs.
“That’s about the most gorgeous bouquet I’ve seen this year,” I said as he walked up to me. “Thank you.”
He sat the flowers on a table. “My pleasure. How are you?”
“A little tired. Come on over and sit down.” I gestured at the chair next to mine. “That bastard managed to bruise my rib and it’s mighty uncomfortable. But, all in all, I came out all right. My broken window will even be fixed by tomorrow.”
He shook his head then leaned forward and took my hand. “I’ve been in shock. Was worried I’d find you battered and broken. But you seem as hearty as ever.”
My mouth quirked up. “I was lucky. The man was even more violent than I’d realized. He attacked the pool cleaners—left them tied up and gagged in their house.”
“Are they okay?”
“One of them has a broken arm. Miller has a lot to answer for.”
He turned his gaze toward the pool. “You’ve had an adventurous life. One article today called you a housewife heroine.”
I sat up straighter, pulling my hand out of his. “Well, that’s more like it. I think I like that. Although I’m not a housewife anymore.”
He smiled warmly at me and a little flutter in my chest responded. “Your legacy will be very interesting.”
Charley barked from his enclosure. “Do you like dogs?”
His eyebrows rose. “Yes, when they’re charming.”
“Well, I’m spoiling mine to distract him from being a troublemaker. Will you come for a stroll with us?”
“Love to.”
