Chapter 2
Hayley
Tired and grouchy, I went home. I'd been calculating costs all morning and needed to relax with a glass of wine and a tub of ice cream. The staff cafeteria supplies excellent, healthy lunches, and I didn't need to cook in the evening.
Before I can rest, I go through my normal security checks, locking doors and windows and checking every room.
A cupboard door was slightly ajar; I was sure I'd shut it tight.
I walked around the house holding my breath.
Had someone entered my house in my absence?
I then checked my post; there was only unsolicited mail.
I plucked up the courage and went to my answering machine, gingerly checking it to listen to the messages. No one in my past should know my address or telephone number. I crossed my fingers, but my pulse raced when his voice whispered through the machine. The message was left early this morning.
'I know you're there, Hayley. You can't evade me. No locks will keep me out. I've found you and look forward to holding you again soon. Goodnight. Sleep tight, Sweetheart. '
My stomach turned over, and I ran to the bathroom to be sick.
I washed my face with cold water. After pouring myself a large glass of wine with shaking hands, I sat down.
I'd worried about receiving this call all day, my mind drifting off my work and upsetting grumpy Grim, who asked me three times, 'If I was well or had a headache.
' He was gentle for a change, but when I said, 'I'm good,' he snapped, 'Then please concentrate on these projections. '
'Slave-driving bastard! I wish I could mentor him. He'd suffer then.'
I took my mind off him and concentrated on my situation.
I've changed jobs three times in the last year.
If I resigned again, they would label me difficult and unreliable, unable to settle, so I must stay here and improve my security or find a more secure building with a concierge.
I must also go to the police. They were ineffective in the past, but they might take me seriously this time.
I'd stopped jogging for fear he might follow me since I came to this town, but I may attend a female-only gym. The instructors at this place lead women running around the park, and they teach self-defense lessons.
I ate a tub of ice cream, uncaring about becoming fat.
I'm underweight now, the jogging and swimming burning the calories I'd put on during my lonely and sedentary past. I'd left that lifestyle behind me two years ago.
I'm no longer the fat doormat he kept indoors, unwilling to let me out in case I made friends, and tired of his domineering personality.
Dean reminded me of him. He’s tall, severe, and short-tempered, unwilling to listen to my views. Not a man I'd wanted to meet outside of work. I'm pleased he’s a recluse, going home alone to his condo.
If I could keep this job and remain safe, this small, friendly town would be a wonderful place to build a forever home. A forever life. But that's not possible. It's not safe to keep this job, to stay here, like a sitting duck with a target on my back.
I dreaded the imminent 50th Anniversary company dance. Imagine drunk groping men and loud, over-enthusiastic women trying to impress the bosses. The CEO thinks it's an opportunity for new staff to meet others, and I daren't miss it.
I made myself a sandwich and drank another glass of wine. My eyes drooped, and I dragged myself to bed, locking my bedroom door. I wished I had a dog to guard me, but I couldn't care for an animal as I often work late.