Having security cameras installed was advantageous, the police had assured them. They had also told Felix and Emma to ensure all windows and doors were locked during the day as well as at night. Emma had been extra vigilant at seeing the film crew and actors in and out, never leaving the front doors open. She made sure the back doors to the house were securely bolted and had even suggested getting a guard dog. A bloody big Alsatian to ward off any intruder. Felix had said he’d consider it, but didn’t particularly relish the idea of a barking dog ruining his filming, but then neither did he want a raving nutcase in his home either.
None of this was helping Felix, especially at a time when he needed a clear head to direct his drama. What made it more infuriating was watching how Anika appeared before the cameras, without a care in the world, like there was nothing wrong. Apparently she’d gone down a storm at the New York fashion show. There she was, striding down the catwalk, beaming into the lens, hands on hips, business as usual forher.Whilst he had to quietly second guess her next move, because there definitely would be one, that much he did know. Although the police had prepared him by predicting a stalker’s typical conduct, Felix intrinsically knew that Anika was trouble. He had witnessed far too much, for far too long, to know there was no way she’d back off. The kind of person who was capable if imprisoning someone didn’t have the capacity to see sense or reason; their head was twisted.Twisted– that was the very word which epitomised Anika Genness.
His mind cast back to the tell-tale signs in their relationship; the jealousy, the anger issues, how unreasonable and uncompromising she was, not to mention the physical outbursts. He’d never forgive her for throwing his BAFTA award at him. At the time he’d put it down to her being a diva, a product of the circles she mixed in. But now, looking back, who else did he know like that? He too rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous; he was a well-known actor, for goodness’ sake, and he didn’t behave in such a way.
The more consideration he gave it, the more cynical he became. How had he not seen it earlier? Why had he tolerated Anika for so long? He recalled the time when he had finally ended their relationship. It was almost laughable that the catalyst had been a comment she’d made about his mother. What if she hadn’t said it? If Anika had never insulted his mother, would he still be with her? Of course not, he told himself, that was just the final straw. It was always going to happen, sooner or later. Felix just wished it had been sooner.
Thinking about his mother, he had a sudden need to hear her voice. Perhaps because he was feeling a little vulnerable. He took his mobile and rang her number. She soon picked up.
‘Hi, Mum.’
‘Ah, Felix, how are you,mon chéri?’
Just hearing her voice settled him, giving him an idea.
‘I’m OK, but I was thinking… Maybe you could come and visit? See my new home?’
‘Bonne idée! When would be the best time?’
‘Soon,’ replied Felix, his voice cracking.
