“I’ve been to see Sam Jordan and I immediately thought of him when I saw the dead cat.”
Before he knew what he was doing, he had his hands around her upper arms and was lifting her up.“What?”he bellowed.“Are you completely crazy?”
Dana’s eyes blazed, but her lower lip quivered.Swearing, he caught her to him.“Sweetheart, you can’t go around asking questions on your own—these guys don’t play around!”
“I know,” she said.“But he was quite friendly last time when you and I were there.But then yesterday he threatened me, though I didn’t think he’d actually do anything.”She frowned.“Maybe it wasn’t him, maybe it…”
David saw red.He took out his cell phone.“That’s it, I’m calling the police.”
*
Dana leaned backagainst the cushions.She hadn’t done anything, but she was exhausted.It was midmorning, and David had just closed the front door behind the detective.Don was busy in the kitchen, cooking up something from all the bags they’d brought along.Caitlin was sitting next to her on the couch.
They had to wait about two hours before any police arrived and another hour for the tired-looking detective to make an appearance.They’d told him about the people they’d been talking to and about Sam Jordan’s threat, but he seemed very skeptical.
“Were they able to find any fingerprints?”she asked tiredly.
“Maybe on the note—we’ll have to wait and see.I’ll help Don.”He walked toward the kitchen.
Caitlin stroked her hair.“I still can’t believe someone is trying to frighten you!”
“Well, I am frightened, all right, but I’m also more determined than before to find out what is going on.”
“Will you please let Don and David help you?”Caitlin asked.
“I don’t need—”
Caitlin put a hand on her arm.“Yes, you do.We all need people to help us at times.And you can’t stay here.Let’s pack a bag for you.You’re coming to stay with us.”
“It’s really not necessary—”
“Yeah, it is,” Don said from the kitchen.“I’m nearly done here.Go pack your bag, then we’ll have lunch.”
Dana wanted to say no, but she was too relieved to put up a fight.Her safe space had been violated.This had always been her happy place, but now she couldn’t wait to leave.She’d be back in a few days, but for now it would be wonderful to get away from her mother, from her house, from whoever was trying to scare her.
“Are you still angry with David for trying to buy you half a car?”Caitlin asked when they reached Dana’s room.
Dana sighed.“If you put it like that, it sounds so silly.But I found out about it right after I heard what my mother has been doing.”
“He came to see me to find out how he could apologize.”
“Apologize?He didn’t apologize.He told me he wanted me to be safe, as if I can’t look after myself.”
“Well, at least talking about him has brought color back to your face.”Caitlin giggled and opened the cupboard door.
Dana sighed and sat down on the bed.“He makes me so mad!But then there’s a dead cat on my porch, and he comes storming to my rescue.”
Caitlin took down a suitcase and put it on the bed.“Like a knight in shining armor!”She giggled again.She reached out and touched Dana’s shoulder.“He’s a good man, Dana.They all are, but I’ve always thought David the gentler one.And he is genuinely concerned for your well-being.”
Dana groaned.“I know.But I was still recovering from the news about my mother when they called about the car, and when I heard what he’d done I just saw red.It was easier to be angry with him.”
“You’ve spoken to your mother?”Caitlin asked tentatively as she began packing the suitcase.
Dana sighed.“Yes.Not that it was much use.She became hysterical and accused me of not wanting her to have nice things and heaven knows what else.”
“I hope you’re going to ignore that!”Caitlin cried.“That woman.I know she’s your mother, but really, Dana, she is the most selfish person I know.”
Shrugging, Dana stood up and listlessly threw things into the suitcase.“I just don’t think I’ve been the daughter she wanted.Maybe I should have tried harder, maybe—”
