The nosy neighbor who watched him leave on Sunday.
“Why didn’t you do what I told you to?” he asked.
She ran off the steps and into his arms. Unexpectedly, but he held onto her.
The neighbor was frowning, his stance rigid, his fingers curling and releasing.
“I was going to, but Karl offered for me to stay at his place. I had a cup of tea. It’s fine.”
She leaned back and he wiped the dried tear on her cheek.
Didn’t look fine to him. Her eyes were wary now. He wasn’t sure if it was from his move or what was going on. Most likely a combination of both.
“Next time, listen,” he said gruffly. “There is a reason for everything.”
“What reason?”
He gave a slight shake of his head. “Ford is on the way. He’ll probably beat his guy here.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Why did you call him? You’re making a bigger deal out of this.”
“I don’t think you’re making a big enough deal.”
She sighed. “I know. I am now. I called Gale first. I thought I could just have some legal letter sent to my ex, but she said I need to do this first and start the process of a restraining order. Fredrick said it’s not him.”
Clay’s fist clenched at her waist, his teeth grinding. “You called him?” he growled.
“I want him to stop.”
“Her ex is a horrible person,” the neighbor said. The guy had been watching them, but it’s not like Clay had anywhere to go other than sit in his truck. He wouldn’t even cover her window until Ford and his men were here.
“So I’ve been told,” he said.
“I’m sorry. I’m being rude. Karl Green, this is Clay Ridgeway.”
“Your friend who told you to stay in your car?” Karl asked, his eyes back on Meredith.
He shook hands with the guy and tried not to snort over the way Karl was squeezing his hand harder.
That comment didn’t warrant a response in his eyes.
He turned when Ford pulled in and dismissed the guy.
“Have you been in the house?” Ford asked.
“No. I just got here.”
“Hi, Ford,” Meredith said. “I’m so sorry that you were called for this.”
“Don’t be,” Ford said. “I’ve got a guy on the way now. Let’s go in and get this started.”
“You know where I am if you need me, Meredith,” Karl said.
“Thanks,” she said, reaching for her neighbor’s hand and squeezing it. Karl’s smile widened as if he’d just won the grand prize at the fair.
They walked up her porch, Clay taking the key from her to unlock the door while he looked around and took some pictures quickly.
Her place still smelled like apples and cinnamon.
