A silver sedan slows to a stop in front of the driveway as I reach my car. It’s then I see a man with a camera, boldly taking photos of me and Penny.
“Hey!” I call out to the man.
He hits the gas and drives off. Fucking creep. With irritation burning through my veins, I buckle Penny in and then hop back into my seat. I fire off a text to Leah immediately.
Stalking is a crime.
Her reply comes before I can even start the engine.
Leah: I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Owen.
Liar.
Call off your watchdog or I’ll be forced to make a police report.
Leah: You sound paranoid. Are you having trouble sleeping? It’s concerning you married your sleep doctor after having only known her for a minimal amount of time.
I hate this woman. She plays these twisted games and I’m sick of it. I’d love nothing more than to go off on her, calling her every name in the book, but I’m not stupid. These carefully worded texts are more tools in her box to take me down.
My sleep is fine and my marriage is none of your business.
Leah: You always were one for denial.
Then, before I can respond, she texts again.
Leah: I’m worried about the kids and your unstable behavior. My attorney is filing a new motion in our case.
Rather than responding, I shoot my lawyer, Dane, screenshots of our texts.
Dane: Stop responding. I’ll see what they’re up to and keep you advised.
“Sorry, squirt,” I mutter to Penny who’s fussing from her car seat. “You want to go see Addison?”
She cheers up for the ride home, but my mood only sours. By the time we arrive at the house, I’m agitated beyond belief. Jin pulls in right after me. Before she can take Penny, Addison runs out to steal her from us. They leave with a giggles and squeals that lightens my pissy mood.
“We need to talk,” I say to Jin as she climbs out of her car. “Privately.”
Her expression remains cool, per usual, and she gives me a curt nod. “I’ll meet you in your room.”
I stalk through the house and then change out of my suit into something comfortable. By the time I’m in jeans and a sweatshirt, and sitting on my bed, Jin enters the room. Her shoulders are stiff and her jaw is set as if she’s bracing for a fight.
“What?” Jin demands, voice sharp like a blade. “You’re angry.”
I scrub my palm over my face and blow out a huff of air. “Not angry with you.”
The tension bleeds out of her and she nods. “Okay, then. What’s wrong?”
“Leah.” I pull out my phone and open the text from my ex to show her.
“She’s reaching,” Jin says, waving it away from her face when she finishes reading. “There’s nothing to report.”
“Maybe not yet,” I say with a heavy sigh, “but she has someone following me. Followed me to the babysitter’s house and was taking pictures.”
Her head snaps my way and she scowls. “Silver sedan?”
“Actually, yeah. He took a picture of me walking to the car with Penny. Have you seen it as well?”
“Carol says it’s been parked out by her house a time or two. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”
