Page 210 of Daddy's Naughty List

“They’re not going to do anything,” she predicted.

“We are going to start a paper trail. Everything needs to be documented. Then, we’re going to call Tami and see if your assigned homes can be swapped with Tim. Finally, we’re going to make sure you can protect yourself.”

She stared at him. “You’re not mad?”

“I’m definitely not mad at you. I know who the problem is. As much as I want to go after him now, I can’t be the aggressor.”

He watched her scan his body before she nodded. “He hasn’t really done anything but be creepy.”

“Yet. Usually, bullies look for people they view as weaker than they are. When confronted with the police, I think he’ll decide to move on. Go grab your things.”

“I don’t have to tell Tami, do I? That’s so much work for her and I’ve already been such a problem. I like my job. I don’t want to get fired.”

“If Tami fires you for this, I’ll eat broccoli for three days straight.”

She stared at him before nodding. He knew she remembered their first conversation about his least favorite food. They’d joked about it several times at dinner time.

“Thank you for trusting me. First, the police station,” he instructed and watched her finally turn and head for the bedroom to grab her shoes.

When they returned home after several hours, Melissa toyed with the bracelet on her wrist. It was a simple beaded design, like everyone was wearing. There was one special feature. The largest embellishment held a tracker and a panic button.

“Is it too tight?” Rocky asked, reaching out to pull her hand close to him. “It seems okay.”

“It’s fine. I just don’t like the idea of having to wear one.”

“I know. Would you like to watch a movie in a bit and forget about all this for a while?”

“Can we have popcorn for dinner?” she asked, perking up.

“I will risk having the hulls permanently stuck between my teeth just for you,” he teased.

“I’ll go choose a movie.”

“Let’s call Tami first.”

“I thought you’d forgotten,” she said, scuffing the toe of her sneaker on the carpet.

“No, Lissy. I want you to be safe.”

Melissa pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed Tami’s number. Hopefully, her friend would give her a good reference.

“Melissa! Is everything okay? Your arm isn’t hurt again, is it?”

“Thank you for being worried. My arm is fine. Unfortunately, I have a problem with someone. When we cleaned out my apartment, I found a picture of me at one of my regular client’s houses—the Wilson’s. Someone had slid it under my door. I’m pretty sure it’s my creepy neighbor—former neighbor.”

“That’s not good. Did you go to the police?”

Melissa could hear Archer in the background asking questions. “You can put me on speaker if you want.”

“Thanks. That makes it easier. Archer is worried about you, too.”

“Hi, Archer. I’ll put my phone on speaker, too, so Rocky can hear.” As she found and pushed the right button on her phone, Melissa heard Tami bringing him up-to-date.

“What did the police say?” Tami asked.

“They’ve made a record and copied the note and the photo. They’re going to have an officer stop and interview him, but that’s really all they can do. He hasn’t hurt me,” Melissa reported.

“What can I do from my end to keep you safe?”

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