Page 65 of The Smart Killer
Noah scooped up the list that Hugh didn’t even look at and tapped it against his hand. “What was that saying you used to tell us when we were kids?” Noah tapped the air with his finger. “That’s right. If the boot fits.” He let his words linger. “Stay away from Alicia.” With that said, Noah turned to walk out, but as he passed by the kitchen, something caught his eye on the counter among the bills. Noah sifted it out and picked it up; his heart sank as he recognized it was identical to the letters found at the other crime scenes.
“When did you get this?” he asked, his voice sharp with urgency, showing his father the letter.
Hugh glowered at him. “That came this morning,” his father replied nonchalantly, dismissing it as a prank. “It’s not the first time I’ve received threats. After our conversation a few months ago, with you urging me to leave here, I thought it was you.”
“Yeah, like I’m going to do that.” Noah shook his head.
Hugh shrugged.
Noah wheeled around, his suspicion deepening. His eyes fixed upon the high-tech security installed in the home. He walked down the corridor to the foyer and glanced at the wall where the main control panel was. “When was this security system installed?” His eyes scanned the array of cameras and sensors.
“I told you. The other day. Seriously, Noah, you talk about me suffering from early dementia; I’m beginning to worry about your memory. Lakeridge has them installed in all of the homes.” He took a sip of his coffee.
“I know, but this isn’t a smart home.”
“It is now,” he said, smiling from ear to ear. “Seriously, the things I can do now are incredible. It’s all voice-activated. From the security to the smart stove in the home. Do you know they even gave me a wearable device so it can adjust according to my profile? If I’m cold, it recognizes it and adjusts the temperature, or if I’m overheated. And that’s barely scratching the surface. Your mother would have loved this.”
“I meant it’s not part of Lakeridge’s build.”
“No, it’s not, but as you said, Luther is an investor, so he has a say. He is installing some of the technology from Lakeridge places into his rental properties. This being one of the first.”
Feeling a sense of foreboding, Noah made his way to the rear of the house. He stepped out onto the balcony that overlooked the serene lake. The fading light of the evening painted the water in shades of orange and pink, but Noah’s mind was far from the picturesque scene before him.
“What are you doing, Noah?” His father’s voice called out from inside the house before he stepped onto the balcony.
Noah turned back to face him, determination etched on his face. “You need to leave this place,” he said, his tone grave. “You can stay at my place.”
His father bristled, clearly irritated. “Oh, don’t start that again,” he retorted dismissively, brushing off Noah’s concern.
“No, I’m serious,” Noah insisted, stepping closer. “The last two families that died received an identical letter to this.” He held it up, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
His father scoffed, refusing to believe the danger he was in. “You caught the guy. Remember? Again, I think you need to get your memory checked,” he said, walking back inside the house.
Frustration gnawed at Noah. He followed his father, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. “For once in your life. Listen to me,” he said firmly, refusing to back down. “I don’t think Alejandro was our guy. I think whoever did this is still out there.”
His father laughed, a bitter tone in his voice. “You can’t admit that rookie did your job better than you did,” he said, smirking.
Noah scowled, his patience wearing thin. “What are you talking about?”
His father casually took his seat and picked up his coffee, his tone mocking. “Declan Porter. Nice fella. He stopped by yesterday to show his appreciation for all my work back when I was sheriff.” He jabbed his finger at Noah. “Now there is a guy with the potential to take Savannah’s position or even become a troop commander.”
“Look, if you don’t want to stay at our place, go to Ray’s or Maddie’s; hell, I’m sure even Gretchen would let you stay there.”
“You almost sound worried about my safety, son.”
Noah clenched his jaw. “Will you do it?”
“Ah, interesting how when the boot is on the other foot, and you are the one worried about the safety of a loved one, you expect them to do as you want, but when it’s me, oh, I’m interfering. I’m overstepping the line.”
“Don’t be an ass.”
Hugh leaned back, staring at Noah. “I’m staying right here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Noah narrowed his eyes. “Okay. If you want to be like that. Then, disable the smart home devices. Turn off the security.”
“Turn it off? Are you out of your mind? First, you’re acting like you’re worried for my safety, and the next, you want me to turn off the security in my home? Which one is it, Noah?”
Noah balled a fist. There was no way he was going to convince him. He was as stubborn as a mule. He began to pace, his mind trying to make sense of it. He glanced at the letter. There was no date on it to indicate when it was sent. Had Alejandro sent it before he was caught? No. Even if Alejandro was at fault, those who had been targeted were homes that he’d spied on previous to incarceration. That had also been long after Hugh had retired as sheriff. What would the motive be?
