Page 8 of Now that I Found You
“Everything okay?” Graham finishes folding up a box, stacking it along with several others into a larger one, as he shuffles papers together.
“Yeah, I think with what happened to Halle recently and now the cameras, things are just resurfacing for her again. She’ll be okay though.”
“I hear ya,” Graham says, as Maverick hands him the tablet. He walks me through how to check the cameras, adjusting their focus and the different views.
“I owe you for getting this all set up for us. I think this will help give her some peace of mind.”
“Of course, man. If you need anything, just hit me or Maverick up. We are always here for you both.”
Maverick nods his head, agreeing.
“We’re getting ready to head to Brodie’s for lunch, if you want to join us.”
Glancing out the window in the living room to Ellie outside, I debate it for a few minutes, knowing she would want me to go even though I’d rather be here with her right now.
I nod. “Yeah.” I motion to the backyard where Ellie is. “I’m gonna check on her, make sure she’s good. I’ll meet you there.”
Maverick reaches for the door and they both throw a wave over their shoulder, as they take the empty boxes and head outside.
Cutting across the living room, I make a beeline toward the back patio. Ellie looks startled when she hears the sliding glass door open and I step out onto the deck.
“It’s okay. Just me.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to come out here. I don’t know why I’m all jumpy all of a sudden.”
I relax onto the bench seat facing Ellie, reclining back with my arm along the banister.
“That’s the exact reason why I wanted to have the security system and cameras installed in the first place.”
She lets out a heavy sigh, I know dreading this conversation, as she closes her book.
“I just hate feeling like I can’t live a normal life. Security systems, cameras… this isn’t what I had in mind when I pictured small town living.”
“Baby, that’s just the way the world is today. Is it really a big deal in the grand scheme of things? This is supposed to give you peace of mind, not stress you out. Why does it bother you so much?”
“Callum, up until I met you, I didn’t even own a cell phone. Excuse me for not easily coming around to the idea of having cameras hanging inside my house. It’s like someone’s always watching me, okay? I just, I don’t like it. I’m already wearing this watch. Isn’t that enough?”
She points to the Apple watch I bought her. She knows the real reason why I got it was to know no matter where she went, she’d always have a way of contacting me. Call me crazy, or maybe a little overprotective, but I thought it would make both of us feel better.
When we went through the trial, details started coming out about how Royal had been following her. There were pictures of her, ones taken inside her house, that were used as evidence.
It dawns on me then why she feels like it’s her privacy being invaded once again.
“The cameras are only for times when we need them, Ellie. It’s not like I’m going to sit at the office and watch you at home.”
She raises her eyebrow at me, not believing a word I just said.
“What?” I hold up my hands.
“You mean to tell me the thought hadn’t crossed your mind?”
“The cameras are only pointing down the hallway, overlooking the entryway, and in the kitchen. If I wanted to watch you at work, I’d install a camera in our bedroom and in the shower.”
I flash her a knowing smirk before raising my eyebrows suggestively.
“Oh, lord,” she sighs, clutching the book in her arm as she swings her legs over the side of the hammock.
“Well, you wanted me to come clean about what I had in mind. Those would be the only times I’d be sneaking in a peek at the cameras, outside of wanting to make sure you were safe.”
