The room feels colder all of a sudden and a chill runs down my spine as I reread the note. No signature, no clue who sent it or dropped it off. But whoever it is knows about my yarn, my color preferences, maybe even my failed attempts at dyeing cashmere this exact shade. They know too much.
As if my thoughts conjured him, my phone buzzes and Sebastian’s name flashes across the screen. Relief washes over me and I answer immediately.
“Hey, did you send me a skein of teal cashmere?” I ask before he can say anything, already knowing the answer but hoping I’m wrong.
“Uh, no. Why?” His voice shifts from confused to concerned in an instant. “Flick, what’s going on?”
“Can you come by tonight?” I say, unable to keep the tremor out of my voice. “I…I think you need to see something.”
“I’m already in my car. I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he replies quickly. “Keep your doors locked. Don’t answer for anyone but me.”
“Okay,” I whisper, before hanging up.
I check all the locks, close the curtains, and sit on the couch with Cat pressed against my side. Her purring is the only sound besides my racing heartbeat. The beautiful teal skein sits on my coffee table like an accusation, and I can’t stop staring at it.
I hear Sebastian’s car pull up outside and race to the door, yanking it open. He rushes up the walkway, eyes alert and darting around the yard as he approaches. Just seeing him, calms some of my anxiety and when he pulls me into a tight hug, a feeling of safety and security wash over me and I feel my eyes start to burn.
“Are you okay? What’s going on?” He says, pulling back and looking into my eyes.
Instead of answering his question, I lead him into the living room and point to the coffee table, then put the note in his hand.
“This didn’t come from you or any of my friends. I sent a message through our Chronic Pain Crafters group chat while you were driving over and they all said they didn’t send it.”
His jaw tightens as he reads the note. “This isn’t random. Whoever did this knows way too much about you.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around myself as if that could protect me. “Yeah, it’s pretty creepy, right?”
“I know we looked at some, but we need to decide what kind of camera to get for the front door. Maybe one of those camera doorbells would be best,” he says firmly. “Back door, too, just in case.”
I nod again, not knowing what else to do.
“No more second guessing yourself on this stuff, okay?” He hugs me and I melt into him. “We’re going to figure out what’s going on.”
Something about the way he says those words with such confidence makes me believe him.
I am so thankful for this man.
CHAPTER 13
Sebastian
I tuck the phone between my cheek and shoulder, listening as the voice mail message relays information I need regarding the land I’m trying to acquire for my animal sanctuary. I write down a couple of important details on a sticky note, hit end on my phone, and stuff it back in my pocket as a knock comes on my office door.
“Sebastian? You next appointment is here.” Rach calls out.
“I’m coming.”
Taking a deep breath to gather my thoughts, I stand and round the desk and walk across the hall to the exam room where Mrs. Dennison and her ferret Gertrude await.
“Hi, Dr. Blum.” Mrs. Dennison looks at me over the rim of her glasses and Gertrude chatters in her crate.
“Mrs. Dennison.” I nod toward the older woman, giving her a friendly smile. “How’s Gertrude doing today?” I open the cage and the ferret immediately races to her owner.
“Doctor, she’s been a little depressed and not eating normally for the past few days. I think maybe she got into something.”
“Okay. Let me do a quick exam and see what we’ve got here.” Removing Gertrude from her owner’s arm, I grab my stethoscope and begin the exam.
Thirty minutes later, Mrs. Dennison and her ferret leave the room, medication and instructions in hand. Since I’ve got about fifteen minutes before the next appointment, I head back to my office to try calling Ms. Peters again about the land. As soon as I open the door, my phone rings in my pocket.
