“I can’t say anymore. But I will say that it’s better that Trey and Monica are here with me now. I’ve doubled up on security. They’ll be safer with me.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I fucked up again, Regina. And…” he trailed off, not able to finish the sentence.
That was the closest he had ever come to admitting he had made a mistake. Now I was curious. And terrified.
“I’ve got to get home.” I pulled hard on the door and he let go of it. The door slammed shut.
He knocked on the window.
Reluctantly, I pushed the button to lower the window.
“What, Richard?” I barely kept my voice from quivering.
“I’ve already said too much, but I’m also scared for you. Watch your back, okay? I know you have security systems at your condo and office, but make sure you use them. Maybe consider upgrading it. I’ll pay for it.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“Yes, it is.”
“It’s not necessary that you pay for it.”
“Oh.” His shoulders dropped again.
“Make sure the kids are safe. And if you can’t say anything now, then you will have some serious explaining to do when this is all over. Whatever this is.”
I started the car and pushed the button to roll the window back up. Before it rolled up completely, Richard said one more thing.
“Remember rule number five.”
When the window was completely up, I started the long drive home.
I had plenty of time for the fear to overwhelm me. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to be afraid of. Richard had been so vague.
He had also been sincere in his apology and his warning. The only thing that was clear was that he had somehow fucked up. Traffic only added to my frustration and gave me more time for my mind to spiral out of control.
Watch your back, Regina.
I caught myself glancing at my rearview and side mirrors more. Even when I was at a standstill, either in traffic or at a light, I was looking for something. Only cars and other frustrated motorists glared back at me.
Security at the condo. I had a decent security system. In fact, it had been from a company recommended by Richard. Why the fuck did I trust him enough to listen to his recommendation? My mind immediately flew to Dirk.
Stuck at a light, I turned down the radio and dialed Dirk. I got his voice mail.Fuck.When the beep finally came, I left a quick message.
“Hey Dirk, this is Regina. Fuck, you probably know that. I need your help. I need an upgrade to my security system at both my house and the office. Actually, I guess since it isn’t your system, I need a brand new system. Look, somethings come up and I’m nervous. Can you call me back asap? Bye. Thank you.”
My ramblings were barely coherent. I knew he would call me back. He would fix my security systems and everything would be good in the world. I would be safe. My kids would be safe. Dirk would fix everything. I just knew it.
Once traffic cleared up and I was moving a little faster towards home, I breathed easier. The act of moving forward, along with knowing Dirk would fix my security system, allowed temporary relief to wash over me. Even though I didn’t know what the danger was that I needed to protect myself from.
Calmer now, I ran through the conversation with Richard. He had done something. He had fucked up. I had pissed someone off, too. Who the hell had I pissed off? My clients all loved me and the help I provided them.
Whoever I had pissed off had something on my ex-husband. And they wanted him to fight for custody of our kids and put me in an unpleasant situation. They also seemed intent on doing something to me. No one had contacted me, though. No one had threatened me.
This was so bizarre.
Maybe I was overreacting.
