Page 36 of Her Final Hours
“You sure? You have Mia and Ethan to think about.”
“Look at how it has worked out for Ray and Dad. No, it’s better if I find another place. Besides, it’s too big for the three of us.”
“I’m sure they would beg to differ.” Concern laced her reply as she pointed out, “But you don’t have another place to go. I mean, you could stay with Gretchen, but that—”
Noah interrupted. “Would be too much for her. I know. No, I was thinking of running it by Ed. His place is big enough.” A hint of mischief danced in his eyes. “I’m sure he would love having me around, especially since we’re about to become neighbors again.”
Maddie laughed. “Ed? You do know how to stir the pot. I’d probably go with Gretchen. Fewer headaches for both of you,” she said, shaking her head at her brother’s humor.
He smiled, appreciating the lighthearted moment amidst the chaos of both their lives. “He’s a pain in the ass; I’ll give you that. But according to him, so am I. But it’s close to the property I’ll be building on, and….”
The conversation was interrupted by Maddie’s phone. She raised an eyebrow in surprise as she answered the call. “Uh-huh. All right. I’m on my way.” She hung up, fear masking her expression. “That was a neighbor of mine. My house has been broken into. It’s him,” she stated, rising to her feet, her voice quivering angrily.
Arriving at her house,their hearts pounded as they noticed the front door ajar and the frame visibly broken. Unease filled the air as they exchanged worried glances. The concerned neighbor, Luanne Tomlin, approached, jogging down the driveway.
“Anything taken?” she asked.
“We don’t know yet,” Maddie replied.
“I came over to leave an invite to my fortieth birthday bash. When I saw the lock on the door was broken, I called right away,” she explained, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Maddie thanked her for her vigilance. Noah’s instincts kicked in. He pulled his service weapon and called out in a firm tone from the doorway, “State Police. If anyone is inside, make yourself known.”
Silence hung heavy. There was no response. Noah directed Maddie and Luanne to stay outside while he carefully cleared each room; his senses heightened as he pressed on into the house, searching for any sign of intruders.
Noah’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted him in the first room. Black spray paint covered the walls, an act of pure vandalism devoid of any words. It was a violation of her sanctuary. As he continued the search, he passed by the state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchen and the elegant granite counters. Theywere covered in spray paint. Someone wanted to send a message.
Moving into the living room, the first real sign that it could have been Tommy was photos of Maddie and Jake strewn on the floor. All the glass was cracked as if someone had deliberately stepped on them. He crouched, taking out a flashlight and putting on some latex gloves. He tilted the glass, expecting to see the dust from a footprint, but there was nothing. Had he worn disposable shoe covers like many service workers did when they entered a home? He rose and sighed, the sense of invasion and violation growing stronger with each discovery.
Entering the bedroom, his heart sank as he witnessed the intrusion scene. The duvet was torn back, Maddie’s underwear drawer was open, and intimate panties were laid on the bed, arranged as if someone had fantasized about his sister. Anger surged within Noah, but he suppressed it, focusing on ensuring his sister’s safety.
After thoroughly checking the basement, every closet, and all the rooms, Noah concluded that the house was clear. Returning outside, he urged Maddie to prepare herself for what she would see, cautioning her not to touch anything but to make a record of anything that might be missing.
Just as he was about to phone the local police to report the break-in, Maddie stopped him, her voice filled with concern. “No. Ray will find out,” she pleaded, her fear of her brother’s tumultuous history evident.
Noah sighed, understanding but knowing they had a duty to involve the authorities. “They have to be notified, Maddie,” he said with a hint of remorse, making the call.
Within a short period, two police cruisers were on the scene, their lights flashing. Officers stepped out. Among them was Ray, his face etched with concern as he charged toward the house, worried about her.
Seeing his distress, Noah intervened, placing a firm hand on his shoulder., “She’s fine, Ray. Just give her some space,” he reassured, attempting to provide a buffer between the emotional encounter and the unfolding chaotic situation.
At the rear of the house beside the pool, Maddie’s voice was shaky as she spoke to Jake, updating him on the break-in and seeking solace and support. The tension in the air was palpable as they awaited further action and answers in the wake of the violation that had shattered the sanctity of her home.
“Did they take anything?” Ray asked.
“Doesn’t look like it.”
“Has she pissed off someone recently? A client? Or put someone away that….”
Noah sighed; he knew that lying wouldn’t get them anywhere. At least if he told him, he might be able to keep him from flipping out. “We think it was Tommy.”
“Tommy Calhoun? But he’s….”
“Out, Ray. He got out two weeks ago. I phoned the prison.”
“Sonofabitch. I’m going to…”
“You’re going to do nothing. The last thing she needs right now is you losing your cool. We don’t have proof.”
