Chapter 38
The first night without Griz was nerve-wracking. Before he and Thario left, they’d gone down and bought four cameras to put up around her property. It wouldn’t stop anyone from coming to her place, but they would all get notifications and be able to see the video.
Close to three in the morning, she finally rolled out of bed and went to the kitchen to get coffee.
She checked the cameras, seeing that only animals had come close to her house.
She went online and navigated to the county’s site that held prisoner information.
Jenkins was still in jail. She breathed a sigh of relief.
If she had the woodworking shop, she would be out there now.
Of course, after being attacked in her own home, she worried that she wouldn’t be safe if she was out at the shop.
She closed her eyes and rested her head on her hands.
She hated that she felt so afraid just to exist in her own space.
But she wasn’t going to let the jerk win.
He’d meant to cage her, but she wouldn’t be deterred from living how she wanted.
She poured more coffee into her mug and opened the door to her porch. She stepped out, worry sliding through her.
“He’s in jail,” she whispered before stepping over to the chairs where she usually sat. Once seated, her leg bounced as she glanced around at the trees. Darkness made it impossible to see deep into the trees.
She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes, then popped them open. This man had tried to ruin everything, but she wouldn’t let him. She would sit out here when she wanted to and live where she wanted.
Her phone buzzed, and she checked the text. It was Griz. Instead of texting, she called him. “Hey, how are you doing?”
“I’m good. Trouble sleeping?”
“Yeah. I’m okay, though.”
“I know you are. I’m watching you on the camera.”
She chuckled. “That’s too funny.” She turned and waved at the camera. “So you can see me out here?”
“I can. He’s still in jail.”
“I know. I hate that I’m afraid to live my life. It took a lot to come out here.”
He sighed heavily. “You have nothing to prove.”
“No, I may not, but I can’t hide forever.”
“I just want you to be safe. Thario is keeping up with the detective, and they will inform you if he gets out.”
She nodded. “I know. I think I have to start working on the new woodworking building.”
“That would be good for you. I could help you when I make it up there.”
“That would be perfect.”
“When do these guests leave?”
“Tomorrow at eleven.”
“Good. Will you come here?”
“I will. I can drive up on Thursday”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you. It will be great.”
They spoke for a few more minutes, then Griz said he had to get ready for work. She said goodbye, already missing him.
After the call ended, she realized the sun was rising, and she could see deeper into the forest. It was time to get a dog.
A dog would know if someone was in the woods.
When she went to San Diego, she would talk to Thario about dogs.
She would need a dog who would be good hanging out here with her but one that wouldn’t hurt her guests.
Her life was changing, and it was all for the better. With Griz in her life and a dog, she would feel safe. Whatever that guy had intended to do, they’d stopped him. He would never hurt anyone else again. She would make sure of it.