Page 58 of The Unconventional Nanny
I try to suppress a laugh at how well he knows our sister.
Annie winks on her way out. Thankfully, Owen merely shakes his head at her antics instead of getting even more mad.
Owen shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. "Start from the beginning. And this time include the specific threats, not just the million phone calls and texts." The look he gives me is a challenge, daring me not to tell him everything. And for once, I heed the challenge rather than facing it head-on.
I spend the next five minutes going over every single text I've received from Jeremy and how they've escalated the longer I ignored him.
When I'm finally done, Owen turns to Ang. "First thing. Do you have a security system here? I didn't notice one when I walked up."
"No," Ang answers quickly. "But I'll get one ASAP."
It’s a small friggin’ town. Isn’t “small town America” supposed to be safe enough that people leave their doors unlocked? A security system isn’t even something Ang probably ever thought about.
"I'll have one installed within the hour." Owen pulls out his phone and shoots off a quick text before he turns his attention back to us. "How does Jeremy know where to find you?"
At that, I lift my hands up to my shoulders in the universal “I don't know” gesture. "I sure as hell didn't tell him."
"I'll look into it. In the meantime, I want you to get a restraining order."
"Is that really necessary?" I don't need everyone up in my business, and a restraining order would certain do that. Especially in a town as small as Willow Creek.
"Yes," Ang and Owen say in sync. I take a page out of Annie's book and roll my eyes. This would be the one time they could gang up on me.
"Fine. Call whoever you need to and get it started."
I don't know the first thing about the inner workings of the local police department, and honestly, I don't want to. I much prefer to avoid them at all costs. I caused enough problems growing up to last me a lifetime.
I wait until Owen steps out of the kitchen to make his phone call before I walk straight into Ang's embrace. He must know I need a hug, because he's waiting with arms wide open.
"You okay?" He kisses the top of my head.
"I was more worried for Everly than myself. I can handle Jeremy."
"You shouldn't have to handle him, and this escalation in behavior worries me. There's no way he should know where you live."
I laugh at that. "The whole town knows where I live. It wouldn't be hard to find me once he realized I'm in Willow Creek.”
I can feel Ang shake his head. "No way would anyone in Willow Creek say anything. The people in town are fiercely protective of our own, and they consider you one of us."
That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I don't realize how much I needed to hear that until Ang says it. I wantmore than anything to call Willow Creek and this house my home.
"I want that more than anything," I whisper.
Ang kisses the crown of my head again just seconds before Owen walks back in.
"The sheriff is on his way over. He's going to file for an emergency PFA, a protection from abuse, considering all that's happened. Lex is also on his way over to install your new security system." The last part he addresses to Ang.
"I appreciate it. Just send me the bill."
I know what Owen is going to say before the words even leave his mouth. "Don't worry about it. Family doesn't pay."
I smile with gratitude at my brother for including Ang and his kids in our family.
"Let me at least help," Ang insists.
I know that devilish look when it pops up on my brother's face. He's up to something. "Oh you can help, alright. You can help me get my other sister to spill. Annie!" Owen hollers.
Our sister joins us in the kitchen, not the least bit impressed to be summoned. "Yes, old man?"
