Page 83 of Endeavor

My phone pings, and I glance down to see a text from Grady.

Grady: After three days of radio silence, Rhett’s garage got vandalized. He and Jackie are still gone but the neighbors called the cops. I’m the only one here, so heading over to take care of things. Are you good to meet Jason at 6 pm at the restaurant? I can meet you guys over there once I finish cleaning up.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I don’t know why. It’s been three very long days with nothing from the stalker. So, why now?

Me: OK. I’m sorry. I was hoping the dresser thing would be the end of it.

Grady: I think it’s far from the end of it.

Me: Don’t say that.

Grady: I’m sorry.

I see the three little dots, and then they disappear.

Me: I’ll see you at the restaurant.

Grady: I shouldn’t be too long. I let Jason know.

Me: Ok

I place my phone in my bag and try to stay focused on the class. But it’s nearly impossible. By the time class lets out and I check my mailbox for interoffice mail, which I find both odd and archaic, I explain the plan to Carl. The security staff is already aware that we are going to dinner with Jason. Poor Jason. He was grilled along with a handful of other people that had been at the penthouse. He’s in the same boat as me, suddenly whisked into this world of fame and insanity. He came up clean just like everyone else that they’ve interviewed about the penthouse. Whoever broke in was good and cleaned their tracks so well that our highly trained security team is still sifting through the web trying to follow up on leads and information on anyone that was in the apartment.

I envy that Jason can stay low-key. I, on the other hand, will be sticking out like a sore thumb with Carl in tow.

I turn to Carl.

“Er, uh, any chance you can put on something other than the Men in Black suit? I sort of don’t want to stick out in the little restaurant.”

He gives me a nod and makes me feel like I’m a military general who just issued an order. “Please,” I add.

He smiles at me, breaking his façade for a moment. “I have a sweater in the car. I can put that on when we get there.”

“It’s sort of warm. You could just take off the jacket,” I tell him. He opens the jacket, and I see his holster. “Oh, I see.”

What parallel universe am I living in?

I shake my head as we get in the car and head to the restaurant. I mindlessly stare out the window, again feeling jealous of all the people we pass that are laughing and calm and generally enjoying their lives, oblivious to any dangers. Meanwhile, I’m here with my guard up like some sort of…princess.

I pull out my phone and text Kate. I’ve been keeping her up to date on what’s happening.

Me: How do you deal with it all?

Kate: Es squeeze me?

Me: Don’t you ever want to be alone?

Kate: Oh…security peeps. Yeah, I do, and I am, but, honestly, I feel safer with them around, and after a while, you don’t notice all the people around you all the time. You sort of live in your own little bubble. I know that sounds strange, but it will get better.

Me: I fucking hope so.

Kate: Cheer up! I feel like you are being mopey. Stop being mopey!!

Me: LOL! Easy for you to say…princess

Kate: (middle-finger emoji) Seriously, cheer the fuck up, beotch!

Me: I’ll try. Ugh!

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