Page 9 of Unmasking Secrets
“No,” Archie responds without even turning to her. “Sorry,” he turns to face her. “Our moms and best friends. Trust me when I say there is nobody better for this job.”
Harper looks to me for reassurance.
“It’s fine.” I sigh. “You can go.”
She nods and grabs her bag. “Check in at the end of the week.”
I wait for her to leave, and the door to close before the groan slips out. “This will not work.”
Archie moves to the door and locks it. “Look, keeping you safe already.” He walks closer to me. “I’m not married. It didn’t even last a two years.”
I swallow. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.” He smiles. “Now, how about a tour? Show me your security system and where my room is.”
“This is a bad idea, Archie.” I argue.
I don’t honestly want him here. Being here means he knows the truth, and he was never supposed to know—not him.
Archie steps closer until we’re barely a foot apart. “This is exactly where I’m supposed to be, Tabitha.” His voice drops low when he says my name.
“I could fire you,” I threaten.
I’m not, but I could.
“Do it.” He steps closer, calling my bluff. “I’m not leaving you. Nobody is going to care about your safety as much as I do. I’m not asking you to tell me why I’m the last one to find out, I’ma asking you to trust me. You can do that, right?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s not like that.” I’m not ready to talk about it.
Archie nods. “Now, are you going to show me around or do I need to find my way?”
I sigh. “Fine.” I turn and don’t both waiting for him to follow me; I know he will.
This is a terrible idea.
CHAPTER SIX
ARCHIE
The first few days are an adjustment. We haven’t lived this close since we were kids, and the silence between us feels heavier than I expected. Not that I knew what to actually expect. I knew going in that this was going to be a little weird.
On the first day I stayed busy installing the new security system. By the next, I’d converted her spare room into a security office. Tabitha only poked her head in once, noticed me rearranging furniture, nodded, and went back to her office to work.
Her office is across the hall from the one I’ve set up. The main reason I had the security office on this side of the house was that it was across the hall from her office. Which, to be honest, looks more like a costume shop and toy store exploded inside. There are wigs, costumes, and props everywhere.
Earlier, she was dancing in front of a ring light and ignoring me, completely absorbed, or didn’t even notice me watching. I had to bite back a laugh. Tabitha has always been a little nerdy, but now she’s turned it into something bigger. Something that brings her joy. It suits her, and she looks happy doing it.
I lean back in the chair as my eyes flicker between the monitors. I requested access to the front gate of the neighborhood. They were quick to comply after everything. If they didn’t, I would’ve just put up my own cameras anyway. I did in other parts of the neighborhood.
This neighborhoods’ security clearly doesn’t realize how dangerous the forest behind them is—or could be. As if wild animals are the only thing they should worry about. The tall iron fence helps some, but there are weak points.
If Tabitha’s ex broke in before, he’s going to attempt to again. It’s not a matter of if—but when. I’ll be damned if he gets past me. That fucker will never lay another finger on her.
She’s been holed up in her office, keeping herself busy. Tabitha clearly still likes to keep things bottled up. It was like this when we were younger—if she kept moving, she could pretend whatever was bothering her didn’t exist. We used to be able to talk about anything growing up—well, nearly. It would be good for her to talk to someone about what happened.
I glance at the monitor that shows most of her office. It’s mostly to have eyes on her windows. Her office has the most windows, making it the most vulnerable. When I asked her about it, she said she wanted all the natural light for content. All I know is that because of all those windows, I need a camera that will show all of them. I can see her entire office.
Most of the time, she’s making content or sitting at her computer doing whatever it is she does. I keep the audio muted, so I can’t hear what she’s saying or singing along to. But, I catch myself watching her too much. I should be spreading my focus between the cameras, the work I’m being paid for.
