Juno nudged Maia’s leg.“Juno didn’t seem worried when I let her out, but she probably barked when someone delivered the items to the door.”
“Stay put.Charlie and I won’t be long.”
Maia watched Charlie and Laura photograph the items at the door before cautiously opening them.She sighed and checked her kettle.She had enough uncontaminated water to boil for a cup of tea.
“Juno, what is going on?”she asked as she pulled a mug from the cupboard.She dumped a heaped spoon of masala chai tea leaves into her green teapot and, once the jug boiled, poured the water over them.
Troubled, she plonked her butt on a stool at her kitchen counter and stared moodily out the window, watching Laura and Charlie by the tree.They were in an intense discussion, and Laura gestured toward the house.Charlie snapped several photos of the white thing—Maia presumed a note—attached to the tree.He plucked an evidence bag from his pocket before carefully removing the object and placing it inside.Meanwhile, Laura disappeared around the side of the house.
Maia stood to grab milk and added a little to her mug.She reclaimed her seat and poured a cup of tea.It was weak, but she desperately needed a hot drink to chase away the chill in her veins.
She couldn’t stay here tonight, and it irked her that someone was driving her away from her home.
Maia stewed and sipped the tea, the tang of ginger, cloves, and black pepper hitting her palate.By the time Laura and Charlie appeared, Maia felt marginally calmer.
“Learn anything?”she asked.
“The cards on the items at the door say the same thing.The time is coming… It looks as if someone has tampered with the food items.We’ll take them for testing.I don’t think we’ll get fingerprints, but we’ll try.As for your water tank, the red is a combination of blood and food coloring,” Laura said.
“Blood?”
“An animal is floating in there.”Laura took a deep breath, and when she spoke again, her voice was frigid.“It looks like a possum that someone hit on the road.”
“I agree,” Charlie said, grimacing.“It looked flatter than it should.”
Maia’s phone rang, the screen display showing an unfamiliar number.“Hello.”
A clownish laugh rang out, and a creepy voice crooned, “The time is coming, coming, coming!”
Chapter 22
Ifthepersontormentingher had wanted to freak Maia out, they’d done an excellent job.Even now, the following day, she was jumpy and constantly scanning her surroundings.
Maia couldn’t focus at training, but to her surprise, the coaches chose her for the starting team for their home game in four days.Rose and Cameron were determined to play those who were in form.A thrill went through Maia.This was fantastic news.
Their coach continued reading out the names.“Jan, Zara, Rebecca.”
Rebecca released an exuberant cheer.
“Thanks, Coach.I won’t let you down,” Rebecca said.
“See you don’t,” Rose said.“Jan, you’re the captain.Amanda, Cameron and I want to speak with you privately once we finish here.Wait outside my office.”
“Questions?”Cameron asked.
“What time do you want us to arrive at the venue?”one girl asked.
“One hour beforehand,” Rose said.“Anyone late will go to the bench.Everyone, apart from Amanda, will get time on the field.Please bring your best game and impress us.If you need any further encouragement, the Black Ferns coaching staff is coming to watch this game.”
Excited chatter burst out.
Rose smiled.“I thought that might please you.See you on Saturday.”
Maia walked to the changing rooms with Jan, Zara, and Rebecca.Their excitement was infectious, but she had to force her smile.Somehow, she’d gained a stalker.A chill ran down her spine, and cold sweat covered her body.Her mind kept coming back to the why, and she was clueless.
“Earth to Maia,” Jan said, nudging her arm.
Maia blinked at her new friends.“What?”
