Page 75 of Levi

“It’s fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, well, later today,” Celine said with a laugh.

“Okay. Come over for coffee later. I have some things I want to tell you.”

“I’ll be there around nine. Get some rest. Night.”

“Night.” Kinley set her phone down, sat on the edge of the bed and knew she wouldn’t sleep anymore tonight. She looked at the clock to see it was four in the morning.

“Damn, I don’t want to be up this early.”

After climbing under the blankets, she stared at the ceiling. Her eyes grew heavy and she couldn’t keep them open. She’d close her eyes for just a minute…

When she woke up, the sun was shining through her curtains. She got out of bed, stretched, went into the bathroom, then changed her clothes and walked downstairs. She desperately needed coffee.

Glancing at the clock, she saw it eight and Celine would be here soon. After getting her coffee, she walked to the living room and peered out at her car. It didn’t look like anything was wrong but something orsomeonemade the alarm go off.

At nine, she opened the door to let Celine enter.

“Did you get some sleep?”

“I actually did fall back asleep even though I was scared.”

“Scared? About what?”

“Let me get you a cup of coffee and I’ll tell you.”

Once they each had their coffee, they sat on the sofa and Kinley explained about Levi’s father.

“Wait. Levi’s mother was killed by his father?”

“Yes, I know I don’t have to tell you not to repeat it.”

“Of course not. Why is he here? I’m sure Levi doesn’t want to see him.”

Kinley sighed. “I thought maybe he was trying to make amends, but he should know Levi would never forgive him for that.”

“I sure as hell wouldn’t. You can stay with me if you’re scared. I have a spare bedroom.” Celine bent forward and pet Tootsie.

“I’ll be alright. I think I’ll get one of those doorbell cameras.”

“I have one. It can cover up to thirty feet. Abbie had it there and I just kept it.”

“I’ll look into it. It sure can’t hurt.”

“Especially with that man around. It will record all motion detected.”

“Great. I wonder how quickly I could get one?”

“Walton’s carries them. We could go there later if you want.”

“I’d love that. Why don’t you go get ready then come back and we’ll go shopping?” Kinley smiled.

“That sounds good.” Celine stood, took her cup to the kitchen then returned. “I’ll be back in a few.”

“Okay, I’ll be ready.”

As they entered the store, Kinley and Celine made their way to the electronics department. Kinley chatted with a sales associate as he explained the features of the device she was interested in. He told her she could go to the register to pay for it. They headed toward the exitwhen Kinley noticed Levi. She froze in her tracks; she had missed him so much. He turned away from whatever he was looking at and caught sight of her. They stood there, gazing at each other for a moment before he surprised her by approaching her.

“Kinley,” he said, nodding at her, then turning to greet Celine. “Hi, Celine.”

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