Chapter 13 #2
“William is crazy,” he said and signed at the same time.
There was no way in hell he was putting this story into a text.
“He started by coming into the library with flowers and small gifts. Then he started showing up here. I never gave him the time of day and I returned everything he brought, which only made him more determined. He might have set my trash on fire, and he complained about me at work. Thankfully, I was able to show that what he said wasn’t true.
Now he shows up on Thanksgiving like a damned member of the family with a dish of food, like he expected to be included.
” He sighed, and Harm held his hand tightly.
“I don’t know what else I can do. I’ve reported everything to the police, and I know he’s behind this guy breaking into the house somehow, but I can’t prove it.
” He refused to panic over any of it. William sure as hell wasn’t worth the effort.
Not in the least. “Harm has been staying here with me a few days a week, and the police patrol the street more, but that’s about all anyone can expect until we can prove anything.
” He refilled his glass and took a swig of wine.
“You know he isn’t going to give up,” Larry told them seriously. “Showing up on Thanksgiving to dinner and expecting to be included is not normal behavior at all. He’s more than obsessed.”
Derek explained what Larry had said to Suzanne, who nodded vigorously.
“This person is deranged, and you need to be careful.” Her hands flew so quickly it was difficult for him to interpret.
“You need to find a way to stay safe, because he’s going to make you pay for what happened today.
In his mind his behavior is normal, and you not accepting him and including him in your world is cruel and mean.
His perception of what is normal is way off. ”
“How do you know?”
Suzanne rolled her eyes. “I minored in abnormal behavior as an undergrad. Remember all those classes I took that scared Mom and Dad no end?”
“Yeah. Mom and Dad were petrified when you took Psychology of Serial Killers or whatever the actual class title was.”
“Criminal aberrant behavior, but Mom and Dad weren’t wrong.
We studied every serial killer case we could get our hands on.
And this guy’s behavior is right up there.
In his world, he is the very center, and everyone who doesn’t fall into line behind him is wrong.
And worse, they deserve to be punished.”
Derek turned to Harm, who had gone pale. They held hands, and Derek wondered if he should figure out a way to get out of town for a while. Maybe if he were gone, William would find some other person to fixate on.
“He needs help,” Harm sent to the group.
“Yes, he does,” Suzanne added. “But he won’t get it because he isn’t the problem, everyone else is. The entire world is out to get him, since William is perfect and what he wants is perfectly reasonable… in his own mind.”
“What do I do?” Derek asked.
“Don’t go anywhere alone. Harm, if you can, pick him up at work and bring him home.
I’d also inform the people at work that you’re having an issue.
Explain in detail the behavior so that if he tries to complain or sabotage you again, they are already aware.
If he’s gone after you at work once, its likely he will try again. ”
“Okay. I’ll send a note to the board and explain the situation.”
“Get a copy of the police report and include that too. They need to see that they are taking this seriously,” Joe told him.
Derek translated for Suzanne, who agreed.
“Get as many people on your side and watching your back as you can. That way he isn’t going to get very far on that front.
And if you’re with other people, then he can’t get to you.
” He started searching on his phone. “The last thing I think you should do is get some cameras outside the house. Put them in the upstairs windows so you can get the front door as well as the back and side gates. That way if he does try anything, you can get evidence.” Joe motioned him over and showed Derek what he was talking about.
“We have this on our place in Arizona.” He brought up an app. “This is our front door.”
There was a package on the stoop, and Larry made a call, asking someone to get it for them. “Who installed them?”
“Harm did the last time he was down. Not that we expect a break-in or anything, but this way we can see what’s going on. And like with the package, have it taken care of so we don’t advertise that we’re away,” Larry said.
Derek went back to his seat while Joe and Larry continued looking at Joe’s phone. They smiled and put it away, probably once the neighbor had picked up whatever had been delivered.
Meanwhile, Harm was on the internet, showing him what Joe had, and once Derek nodded, he continued working. “What did you do?” Derek asked as Harm showed him the order.
“The stuff will be here Saturday, and I’ll get it installed.
It’s no big deal.” These messages were private.
Derek wasn’t so sure how he felt about Harm just going ahead and ordering the equipment, but then he thought of the mess he was going to have to clean up in front of the house and forgave him in a moment.
Suzanne patted him on the shoulder. “You need to let him help you. This is serious and you know it. From what you described, this William is getting more and more clingy and worrisome. So put up cameras and do whatever you need to in order to stay safe. I mean it, this guy could have tried to set the house on fire. Who knows what he’ll do next.
” She signed in that very determined manner she had when she went into sister mode.
“Okay,” he told her. “I just hate the idea of turning my home into a fortress.”
“You aren’t. But you are taking steps to protect yourself. Once William is out of the picture, you don’t need to use them if you don’t want, but until then, you need to play it smart.” She grinned, and Derek rolled his eyes.
“Fine. I’ll be a good little librarian and let everyone do what they think I need.” Now he was being petulant.
“Let the person who cares for you help protect you,” Suzanne added, and Derek turned to Harm, who had been watching the exchange, probably trying to parse what they had been signing.
Derek leaned against him and Harm put an arm around him.
Derek sipped his wine, and thankfully Joe or Larry asked another question in the chat and the discussion veered onto another topic, much to Derek’s relief.
JOE AND Larry got ready to leave about nine, and Derek and Harm showed them to the door. They all said good night, and Harm’s dads exchanged a silent look with Harm for a few seconds. “Will we see you for lunch?” Joe asked.
Harm nodded, and they both hugged both him and Harm before stepping out into the night, avoiding the mess in front.
Derek closed the door and waited until they were in the car before turning out the lights.
Suzanne was clearing up the dishes as they returned.
Derek put away the last of the nibbles and cheese before turning out the kitchen lights.
He was exhausted but pleased that Thanksgiving had gone so well.
Derek and Harm headed for the stairs while Suzanne settled on the sofa, probably to watch something on television before going to bed herself.
They both said good night and went up. Harm went to the bedroom, while Derek made sure everything was all set for Suzanne.
Then he joined him, closing the door to the largely dark room.
As soon as he slipped under the covers, Harm rolled on his side and tugged Derek into his arms, holding him tightly.
He didn’t make a move to initiate anything, and Derek was grateful.
He was so tired, both physically and mentally, that while he probably could have summoned the energy, he was glad he wasn’t going to need to.
Instead, he closed his eyes and drifted off the sleep, safe, knowing Harm would watch over him.