Page 64 of Endeavor

“Fuck. I’m heading over there now. Is the dog going to be OK?”

I nod. “Yeah, I think so. It’s fucked up, Benson. And that note is what has me freaking out. It’s never been anything but a quote. I mean that broken window and light is one thing, but fucking threatening to hurt an animal and threatening people…” I trail off because I don’t know what to say.

“When you get back from the vet, I’ll be at your house. When’s that meeting with the security people?” he asks, referring to the meeting with our new security team that got moved to this afternoon.

“Today.”

“Good. I’m going to get some cops assigned to pass by your house routinely during the day for the foreseeable future.”

“I appreciate that.”

“I’ll let you go. We’ll talk more in a bit. I’d like your bandmates and manager to come over too.”

I nod and hang up, sending a group text to the band explaining again what happened. They all agree to come over to my house and take the video call with our security team from there.

Then I grimace as I dial Barb’s cell phone.

“Grady, dear, what’s up?”

“Barb, did you leave Muffin out this morning?”

“No, I did leave the doggie door unlocked to the back room,” she says. She’s referring to her screened-in patio off the back of the house.

“Well, she got out. I found her and…” I pause because I don’t want to scare Barb, so I decide to not say the whole truth. “She was awfully close to some broken glass that was out there with some food. I brought her over to the vet just to make sure she didn’t eat any of it. She should be fine. Dr. Kneely is back with her now.”

“Oh, God! My poor baby! Damn it, Wayne, I told you we needed to make sure that the screen was properly secured to the door. She must have pushed it open. I think I had some food out on the porch for her, she must have dragged it into the yard. Thank goodness you were there, Grady! We’re on our way now.”

“I’ll wait here until you arrive,” I say to her.

“OK, we will be there in a few minutes.” She hangs up and I stare at my phone, my mind going a mile a minute.

Dr. Kneely, the vet, comes back out to talk to me. “Did you call the police?” she asks.

I nod. “Yes…it was intentional.”

She nods. “Yes, Muffin is a very lucky dog. She didn’t eat any glass. She’s fine.”

I sigh with relief. “Thank God.”

Dr. Kneely takes the seat next to me. “Mr. Daniels, I…do you know who might have done this? I’m leery about how to tell the Johnsons.”

“My…I’m in a band, and we have a stalker. I’m ninety-nine percent sure it was the stalker. The police are there now, collecting evidence.”

Her face turns white. “Whoever did this knows how physically devasting that could have been. I’m not sure if that helps with the investigation, but the officers might want to know that.”

“Are you going to tell the Johnsons what happened?” I ask her because I’m grappling with that very thought. I hate the thought of keeping it from them, but I also know that I don’t want to scare them. Mr. Johnson’s heart can’t take the stress.

She bites her lip. “Ethically, I should. But I’ve known them for years. They are family friends. I don’t want to scare them, so I will say it was likely some kids messing with things in the backyard. But…” She looks down and then back up at me. “Can you…maybe talk them into visiting her niece? I think it’s best if they are away for a few weeks. Don’t you?”

I nod. “I agree. I don’t want to worry Barb or scare Wayne. Lord knows his heart doesn’t need more stress.” Dr. Kneely nods, clearly understanding my reference to Wayne’s heart attack last year.

“Good, we’re in agreement, then. And, Mr. Daniels, please be careful. Whoever did this…they are dangerous.”

“I know,” I grimace.

Just as she stands, Barb and Wayne bust into the lobby, looking around frantically. Dr. Kneely walks over to them, taking Barb’s hands in hers.

“She’s just fine. I’d be more careful about her being outside. You just never know what type of trouble dogs can get into. And with your gate not being locked, anyone could get in the backyard.”

---