He turned to face her.How do I get her to understand?“She was my best friend, but our personalities were like oil and water. But you and me? These last six months have shown me that we are like different shades of water that come together and make the most spectacular colors possible.”Okay, it’s official. I’m an idiot, and I need to stop talking.
Pamela wiped tears from her face. “So, you would have liked me even in my freckled, red-headed body with the frizziest hair on the west coast?”
“Yes.” His voice was solid, resolute. He stared deeply into her eyes. The desire to press his lips to hers burned across his skin. He sat still, letting her process and make the next move. She smiled and nuzzled up to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Her fingers intertwined with his and that settled into silence.
The car pulled up to the gate of her property, and the driver lowered the partition that separated the cab from their riding space.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but there is something in the driveway blocking the way. I’m waiting on the team to go check it out.”
The hairs on Jenkins’s body stood up as a chill coursed through him. “Stay here.” He kissed her fingers and slipped out into the night. The headlights shone ahead on the gates, and in the middle of the drive sat a small glass box.
His stomach dropped as he drew closer to the object, and by the time the security team arrived, his body was full of dread. Hescanned the area; there were too many opportunities to remain hidden from view.
The security team jumped into action, pulling out flashlights and securing the area. Jenkins stood still, his feet glued to the ground beneath him. He felt fourteen again, when he had stood in a fancy hotel lobby and watched fish swim circles as his sister stood nearby, admiring the chandelier, when Darla checked them into their room for the night.
Darla was back.
He watched as one of the security team members picked up the glass box, a small aquarium. Two dead fish were floating inside.
“Do you really think she is here?” Pamela clung to Jenkins arm. They stood together in the foyer of the mansion as the security team completed a full sweep of the property.
Jenkins squeezed her hand softly. “It looks that way.” He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but looking into her eyes melted him.I just want to keep you safe.
“I just can’t believe she was able to get away from Sam! I tried many times to leave, and every time someone in the town would spot me and rat me out. He would always catch up and drag me back to our trailer.” Her body shuddered, and she dug her fingers deeper into his arm.
“That was smart to tell the security team you had suspicions of a stalker. I guess tonight solidified the real threat we are facing.” Pamela looked up at Jenkins, who didn’t return the look or respond. He continued to watch the team move swiftly around the property.
Once I know she is safe I can relax. Until then, I need to stay focused on the very real threat ahead of us. I won’t rest until Darla, in whoever’s body, is caught and locked away.
The head of the security team, Michael, strode up to them. “The property has been thoroughly searched. We didn’t find anyone, though the dogs picked up on a scent in some bushes along the fence line near the gate, but the trail was lost down the path. We will keep a rotating shift of patrol tonight.”
“What about the party across the street? Can we still attend?” Pamela implored, her round green eyes full of hope that the night wasn’t completely ruined. Jenkins and Michael shared a look.
“I don’t think that is wise.” Michael rubbed the back of his head and down his neck.
Jenkins squinted.Of course, Darla is going to come back and force us into hiding! How can she be so selfish?
Pamela’s face dropped, and her hands relaxed against his body, the disappointment radiated from her body.
“Thank you Michael, let me know if you hear anything.” Jenkins extended his hand and shook Michael’s hand before Michael waved to the team, signaling them to their various posts for the night.
Greta appeared in the kitchen. She was dressed in her nightgown with her cotton robe thrown over it. “Ma’am, I’m so sorry! I thought you had the party this evening, and I decided to turn in early until the security team burst into my room and searched every nook and cranny. What happened?”
“Someone left dead fish in a tank on the driveway.” Pamela sounded tired, her voice full of sadness.
Greta threw her hands up to her mouth. “Good Lord! Who would do such a thing?” Jenkins and Pamela shared a look, and Pamela shrugged her shoulders.
Jenkins stepped forward and dropped himself onto one of the barstools that lined the kitchen counter. “I suspected there was someone stalking Ms. Shaw. Tonight confirmed it; whoever it was sent a clear message. We don’t know who it is but I’m working hard to keep her safe.” He glanced back at Pamela and motioned for her to join him in the kitchen. She obliged and slumped down on the barstool next to Jenkins.
“Well, I’m glad you are here, Jenkins,” Greta said, and placed her hand over her heart. “This is the time Pamela needs friends around. In all my years working for you, ma’am, I wished you would find more people you could trust to be in your life. I’m prattling on, but I just want to say, thank you. Please let me know if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll be reading in my room until my nerves can settle.”
“I’m glad you finally warmed up to me. I know we had a chilly start. I’m just glad I can be here to protect Pamela,” he replied and truly meant what he said.
Greta smiled at them and turned on her heel towards her bedroom.
Pamela dropped her head onto her crossed arms on the cool counter. Jenkins reached over and put his hand on her back, unsure of how much physical contact she wanted at this moment.
Was it only an hour ago we were embraced in the back of her car? It feels like a year has passed since then.He cracked his neck side to side, and Pamela sat up, shaking off his hand.
