I authorize a deposit for security guards, wincing at the cost. Maybe I should’ve accepted Damiano’s protection, since it was free.
No, I can afford this. And it doesn’t come with a side helping of Damiano’s lies.
Marlon and I make arrangements for my first security detail to meet me bright and early on Tuesday morning.
There, Damiano. I hope you’re happy.
Finally, freaking finally, I sit down on the couch with my snacks. My laptop is open, a new episode of Night Walkers on the screen. For once, the love interest is not eager to take the hero back. Apparently his careless move at an abandoned pharmacy nearly got her bitten by an infected, and she has had enough.
“Good,” I say to my laptop. “Fuck him and his overbearing, thoughtless, egocentric antics.”
A scratching sound comes from one of my windows. I pull my blanket tighter around my shoulders, fighting goosebumps. When a zombie leaps in front of the hero on-screen, I let out an audible yelp of fear. Then I laugh at myself. It’s just a silly show. Jump-scares are cheap tactics, but no denying they’re effective.
A glance at my phone shows a text came in a few minutes ago, this time from Seth. Checking in. Is everything okay?
Why does he care? I’m so over these guys.
I pause the show and collect my dishes to bring into the kitchen. All of a sudden, the back yard is illuminated in bright, white-blue light. The motion-activated security lights are on.
I freeze. How visible am I in the kitchen? The lights are low, but if someone is outside, they could see me clearly through the kitchen window.
I want to love this house that my aunt loved, but I’m feeling too exposed.
Although I’d rather not look, I peer out the window. Something leaps into the privacy hedge dividing my property from next door. Something four-legged, I think, but large. A deer, or a really big dog.
I set my dishes in the sink and grip the edge of the counter, searching for strength. I can’t take any more frights tonight. Between the Nove guys following me, the jump-scare in Night Walkers, and now this, I’ll call it a night.
A quick look at my alarm keypad shows that everything is engaged. If any burglars try to break in, I’ll know, and so will the police. This is as safe as I’ll get.
I close my laptop. Night Walkers can wait until the reassuring light of morning.
Upstairs, I pat one of the bedposts. So much character in this old house. And Great-Aunt Vivienne left it to me. I can’t help but feel she knew I would appreciate this place. And I do; I just need to adjust to the size, and the great wide openness of it all.
The covers are soft against my skin, my pillow perfect. I close my eyes and wait for sleep.
But sleep doesn’t come. My heart’s still pounding from when the security lights went on. Anyone could be out there, like a man-eating zombie deer. I open my eyes to look around the room. I need to make sure the shadows aren’t moving.
You’re being ridiculous, Madison. Go to sleep.
Just as I close my eyes again, a deafening blare fills the house. I jolt into a sitting position, clutching my blankets and trying to cover my ears at the same time.
The alarm. Something—or someone—set off the alarm.
20
DAMIANO
I know I should leave Madison alone. I know it. And yet I can’t ignore the feeling in my gut. It’s urging me to take action. Something is wrong, and I should be moving to resolve it.
I could send our Nove guards back to Madison’s house. It would break her trust even more than I’ve already broken it. Her safety is more important than her trust, but I don’t want to lose her forever.
Instead of sending the Nove guards back, I call Ironwood.
Marlon, one of Jaxon and Ryder’s new guys, answers.
“So you’re on phone duty tonight,” I say. “This is Damiano Romano, I don’t know if you recall meeting me several weeks ago.”
“Oh yes, of course I remember you, Mr. Romano. How can I help you tonight? Mr. Callihan and Mr. Marsel are both out for the evening, but I could take a message for you.”
