Chapter 15
MASON
Ikill the engine two blocks out from Lily’s house and move on foot, using the residential shadows for cover. The moon is bright enough to navigate by, but I've done this route enough times to know it even if it were pitch black.
By the time I reach the established position behind the Johnsons’ detached garage, Lily's already inside.
I've scoped this spot several times in the past six weeks. The angle is perfect—clear sight line to her front door, living room, and upstairs bedroom windows. It’s far enough back that the darkness swallows me, close enough that I can get to her in less than a minute if I need to.
The Johnsons’ property backs up to hers with just a low fence between. I know the exact boards that creak. I know where to step to avoid the motion sensor on their back patio. I know the blind spot in her security camera sweep. Her cameras won't catch me.
The truth? Her security system wouldn't stop me either.
Crouching in position, prone in the shadows between the garage and the tree line, I lift my rifle and use the scope to observe.
Through the gaps in her curtains, I catch glimpses of Lily moving through her house, looking into each room.
She flips all the light switches on as she goes from room to room, until the entire house is lit up.
Then she settles in the living room. I have to shift a bit to get a direct view of her as she sits with her laptop, the faint frown on her forehead.
When she finally closes it, she just sits there, alone, staring into space.
What is she thinking?
I want her to be thinking about me.
I lower the scope and breathe slowly. This is wrong. I shouldn't be here. Shouldn't be watching her. She’s been preyed on—that tattoo on her wrist is proof positive of that.
But that’s not me, and I can't leave.
She leaves the room, and I train the scope on the window I know is her bedroom and wait for her to enter.
My heart speeds up again when she does. Leaving all the lights on, she closes the door and starts to undress.