Page 81 of Deprived No More

I’m not sure I want to bring all of my dirty laundry back out for everyone to see. But he and his brother were both there for me when I needed them years ago. “I think so. I was getting unwanted messages from someone who believed I felt the same way he did. Turned out it was my neighbor. I’m just trying to do whatever is necessary to make sure he keeps his distance.”

“Man, Kat. I’m sorry to hear that. You and Nick still doing well?”

“Yes,” I beam.

“Hey, Kat. I was going to call you,” Colton interrupts. “Hey, Tanner.”

“Hey. I’ll let you go, Kat. It was great seeing you.”

“You too. Please tell Tate hi for me. I still see your sister on occasion, but I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”

He gives me a quick wave goodbye, and Colton takes his vacated seat. “Are you comfortable talking here, or would you like to move somewhere more private?”

Peering about the space, I see no one within earshot except the clerk, and I get the feeling she’d have a tough time hearing with the constant phone ringing and commotion going on behind the desk.

“This is fine.”

“Well, it appears that Jonas Sievers is a repeat offender.”

“What?”

“It didn’t take much digging to find he has a criminal record for harassment. He’s managed to stay out of jail using several high-powered attorneys. But I think things have finally caught up with him. The last judge made it clear if he had another infraction, he’d be spending time behind bars to consider his behavior more closely.”

Shocked by this news, I just sit in awe. I’d prayed for a miracle after what Colton had shared about the difficulty in prosecuting stalkers. I love our home, yet the thought of continuing to live there with Jonas still next door just didn’t seem like a reasonable option. I’d never be able to let my guard down.

“How long are we talking?”

“He could potentially do up to five years per infraction. And there have been several.”

“Oh, my god,” I respond, feeling relieved. Until my mind shifts to Susanna and the girls. “Colton, what about his wife? Does she know?”

“Kat, this is going to sound harsh. But she’s been aware of his other infractions. From reading the court records, she’s been present at each case. It was her choice to stay with him.”

I’m baffled at this. That always chipper Suzy Sunshine remaining married to someone she knew was harassing women. What does that say about her? Those poor girls. Do they even stand a chance at a normal life?

“Let Nick know I saw you. I was going to reach out, but when I saw you sitting here, I thought I’d let you know right away.”

“I’m so glad you did. Thank you. I’ve been trying to figure out how we’d manage living next door to him. The thought of moving from our home was breaking my heart.”

“I’m glad it all worked out, Kat.”

Standing from my seat, I reach out to shake his hand. “Thank you for everything, Colton.”

* * *

Pulling into Rachel’s driveway, I feel a pang of guilt that I haven’t called Nick. I should share the news about Jonas right away, but selfishly, I want to tell him in person.

As I exit my vehicle, I notice I feel lighter than I’ve felt in months. Perhaps years. The weight of my resentment against Mark has been lifted, and there are no immediate stressors in my life. I haven’t permitted myself to feel this optimistic in a long while.

As I approach the porch, the front door swings open, and Rachel stands in bare feet and yoga pants, looking like she could walk a runway.

“You’re disgusting,” I say, shaking my head.

“What?” she asks, sounding shocked.

“How do you pull off wearing yoga pants like it’s couture?”

“You’re crazy. Trust me, if I was all that, I wouldn’t be here all alone.”

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