“I don’t want to lock myself away and write all the time.”She slipped into bed.“Adding something different to my routine improves my writing flow and life balance.”
Henry hopped into his bed.He’d thought it before and thought it now.Having Maia here relaxed him.He drew her against his chest and flipped the covers into place.
“The puppy is safe, isn’t she?”Maia asked.“I’d be heartbroken if she disappeared because this moron got his hands on her again.I meant to call Gavin and ask about security.I can’t believe someone would do this to play with my head.It’s sick.”
“You can’t forget this person might injure you—something worse than a knock on the head.So far, they’ve taunted you, tried to scare you.They might up the ante.”
“I know.”Maia turned a troubled gaze on him.“I understand, but I can’t stop living my life.My training is important.I can’t impress the Black Ferns’ coaches if I’m constantly warming the bench.”
“I get it, and I’m glad you’ve decided to stay with me.Having you here means more eyes on you.If you’re alone, it gives them more leeway to strike.”
“I won’t go anywhere without company, apart from team training.Our sessions are closed, and I can’t expect anyone to sit around waiting for up to two hours.It’s winter, and people have commitments.”
“All I ask is for you to keep your phone handy.Make sure it’s fully charged.Limit your exposure and try not to pattern your days.Run at different times.Write at different times.Don’t make it easy for this dickhead.”
Henry’s phone rang, and he climbed out of bed to rummage amongst the pile of clothes he’d dropped on the floor.
“Yeah, Laura.What’s up?”He listened.“Did you believe her?Yeah.Okay.”He hung up.
“Your friend Rebecca reported her car stolen three hours before Laura contacted her.She told her local police she’d parked it in the driveway.Locked.The car had vanished when she went to drive to her parents for dinner.Laura checked with the cops.Your other friend attended a twenty-first in Wellington.”
“Back to square one,” Maia muttered.“I hate this.”
Chapter 27
Thefollowingday,Maiawandered into the communal kitchen around nine after spending ten minutes speaking with Laura.She’d mentioned her writing and the missing planner.Only London was present, deeply immersed in whatever she was reading, with a cup of coffee sitting nearby.
Maia must’ve made a sound because London’s head jerked up.She smiled in welcome.
“Henry and Gerard got called out on a job.Megan and Jacey have gone on a school trip as parent supervisors, so it’s me and you.”Her brow puckered.“Henry put me in charge of your security.”
Maia blinked.
“Yeah,” London said with a twist of her lips.“That was my reaction.”
“I have a lot to do and not much time.I promised Henry I’d take care and not be alone if I could help it.How’s your morning looking?Feel like a quick trip to see Laura, a stop by my house for clothes, and a drive to Dunedin?I urgently need a computer because mine is in pieces.”
“Henry mentioned someone ransacked your house.Are you intending to move back once everything gets repaired?”
Maia shrugged.“Henry wants me to stay with him.To be honest, I think I might.I’ve never had a family and like it here.It feels safer with other people around.”
“Understandable.We have excellent security, even if you find yourself alone.The dogs bark if visitors arrive.They’re used to us, but you’ll hear them if someone lurks near the house.”
“Good to know.Henry suggested I rent my property and keep it as an investment—at least until Henry gets sick of having me around.”
London laughed and picked up her coffee cup to take a sip.“Don’t think that will happen.Henry loves you.I’ve never seen him like this—not since…” She trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
“Since your sister?”
Relief flooded London’s face.“I wasn’t sure if he’d told you.Yeah, since Jenny.I can see he’s protective, and this person harassing you has him worried.It’s surprising he isn’t dogging your steps and scowling over your shoulder.”
“I get the sense he’d like to, but he’s trying to give me space.My best approach is to avoid alone time and compromise.Common sense.This person has already injured me and almost destroyed my playing season.I’d be stupid to ignore Henry’s suggestions.I won’t be the foolish character who blunders about making it easy for the bad guy.So far, I’ve been incredibly lucky I’ve escaped worse injuries.”
London set her coffee mug down and squeezed Maia’s arm.“You’re perfect for Henry.As much as I loved my sister, you’re an even better match for him.My sister was bull-headed and stubborn.I don’t know you well enough to tell if you bear the stubborn gene, but you’re determined and have common sense.You’re not high drama.”
Maia grimaced.“You make me sound like an old maid.”
“That’s not what I mean.My sister was high-maintenance.In the long term, she and Henry would’ve butted heads.You’re more likely to pick your moments.You’re self-sufficient and capable.”
