Page 33 of In the Line of Ire

"I'mgoing to see about getting you a camera," I said. "We can install atemporary security system at no charge which would help us monitorthe property when you're not here."

"ShouldI do anything else?" she asked.

"Yourlocks look well-made and I'm sure you already use the chain atnight. If someone is doing this to prank you, they’re being verycareful not to get caught so I can't say this person is an actualthreat to you. Never mind that what they're doing is extremelystrange and disconcerting. Is there somewhere else you and yourdaughters could live until I work this out?"

Nataliepursed her lips. "My boss has a guesthouse that he barely uses. Icould ask about staying there. I told him what was going on and hesaid we could use it if it became necessary."

"If youtook him up on that, I'd feel much better about it."

"Okay,"she said. "I'll call him."

"I'll beback as soon as I can with a proper security system," I said,pleased that Natalie hadn’t protested about moving out temporarily.That she had agreed readily suggested to me she was far moreworried than she liked to admit. "I don't like the idea of leavingyou here alone."

"I'llpack a few things and call the girls."

I waitedinside the house while Natalie phoned her boss and asked if shecould use his guesthouse. The relief in her voice when he consentedwas evident. Fifteen minutes later, the bags were packed for herand the girls and I helped her carry her things to the car. "Textme the address where you're staying," I told her.

"I will.You know, I expected you to just tell me to vary my routine alittle bit or toughen up. I actually feel so relieved at being outof this house! My boss assures me we are welcome to live at hisguesthouse for as long as we need it."

"Hesounds like a nice guy."

"He is.He's very accommodating towards me, especially as a single parent."Color crept onto Natalie's cheeks and I wondered if there wassomething else she wasn't telling me about her boss. Was she sweeton him? “I’ll call the girls and tell them I’ll pick them up,” sheadded hurriedly.

I gotinto my car and waited for her to pull out while waving to me.Then, because I was a little creeped out by her case, I locked allthe doors. I thought for a moment about her comment that she shouldvary her routine. I nearly suggested that before something elseoccurred to me. Someone had to know her routine very well alreadyand obviously took great pains to exit her home right before shearrived. Varying her routine could mean inadvertently surprisingher mystery intruder and there wasn't any way to know how theintruder would respond to that. Not only did they follow her habitswell enough to manage to leave a hot mug of coffee for her as soonas she returned home, but also exactly the way she liked hercoffee.

Wassomeone trying to drive her away from the house? Or towards someoneshe could rely on? Someone like her boss who conveniently had anempty guesthouse available for her occupation? I gunned the engine,hoping I didn't just propel her into the arms of a person whothought scare tactics were a valid form of flirtation.

Chapter Eight

My phonerang as I revved the engine. Seeing it was my mother, I turned theignition off and picked up the call.

"Hi,honey," said Mom. "How was your day?"

"Busy,"I told her. "And I'm still not finished. I'm just heading over tomeet Solomon for our therapy session."

Therewas a sharp intake of breath, then, "Therapy? Oh, Lexi! You've onlybeen married for a few minutes. Why are you already in therapy?What did John do? Isn't he treating you well? Are you havingmarital difficulties?"

"Mom,slow down!"

"Is itregarding the bedroom department?" continued Mom as my eyeswidened. "Your father and I took our time until we found ournatural rhythm but we also consulted a really good bookand..."

"No!" Iyelled.

"Is ittoxic masculinity? I've read all about that. A lot of men justdon't understand what it takes to make a good marriage. Themarriage is good, isn't it? Are you happy? Do you need to hire amaid? That might help end any arguments over sharing the householdchores. But since you're not living in that big house anymore, Idon't see how it could take you longer than thirty minutes to cleanyour whole house. What if I made you some meals to put in thefreezer? Would that help?"

"Mom,that's nice of you to offer but..."

"Ireally thought John would make a good husband. I'm so disappointedit's not working out. You can always come home anytime you want,but not tonight. Your father and I have guests over and Dad isbarbecuing. Again. I swear, I don't know what it is about men andopen fires. Is it your job? Maybe one of you should look foranother job? I suppose it will have to be you since it's John'sfirm and perhaps you're not actually qualified to do anything. Imust say, this has all come as a horrible shock. I think Johnshould do better. Therapy is a good start. Should I speak to him?Would that help? Yes, I think so too."

"Mom,no! Mom? Hello? Mom?" My mother hung up. I tried to call her backbut the house phone was engaged and she didn't answer hercellphone. I figured I'd try her later when she calmed down so Ifired up the engine again and headed across town for our therapysession.

When Igot there almost a half hour later, Solomon's SUV was nowhere insight so I lingered at the curb, waiting for him. A few minuteslater, he called.

"I'mhere already," I told him.

"I'mstuck in traffic," he said. "Also, your mom just called and askedwhy we're getting a divorce. Is there something you want to tellme?"

"Mymother remains a mystery even to me."

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