“What the hell?” Rex mutters as he fiddles with the camera in the living room.
“Is that tape?” Horse asks, and then both men turn to face me.
“Did you tape the lenses, or did your visitor do it?” Horse questions.
Damn! I totally forgot I had done that, and now it’s bit me in the ass.
Shuffling my feet a little under their stares, I admit my mistake.
“I did it a while back. Uh, I was being pissy one day, and that was the result. Dumb, I know.”
“The outside cameras didn’t help. He knows where they are and keeps his face down. Was counting on these ones,” Rex explains, and I can tell he’s trying to hide his frustration and, quite possibly, his anger at my stupid move.
“I’m sorry.”
“No point in having a security system if you’re going to defeat it over a pissy mood,” Horse states logically.
“She’s aware of that, Horse,” Rex says impatiently.
“Just sayin’,” Horse mutters.
“Call Reeves and Pigeon. Whoever’s in town, have them go to the office and pick up the 350-plus system with four extra cameras. Have them bring everything to do a complete re-install,” Rex orders as Horse shrugs then walks outside to make the call.
“I’m so sorry, Rex,” I say in a soft voice.
“I know, and I know why you did it. I get it, but we need to change things up since he knows where the cameras are now. Have you been using the alarm features?”
“Usually, yes,” I answer in a tentative voice and then wince when I see his eyes close in a definite sign of frustration.
“Aria,” he simply says while blowing out a breath.
“I’ll do better. I promise.”
“Yeah. I’m going to add more cameras outside and reposition the ones inside. We’re also going to be adding motion sensor lights, so if anyone approaches, they’ll get lit up.”
“Thank you, but I’m not sure I want to stay here tonight. Even with the new system. Having some strange man rifling through my dresser, handling my panties is freaking me out. I’m trying hard not to think about what he’s doing with the ones he took,” I say with a visible shiver running down my spine.
“You can stay with me or Mom,” my brother Les says as he pushes through the front door.
“Oh my God! Mom!” I shout.
“What about her?” Les shouts back.
“Her house key is on my keychain!” I respond in a panicked voice.
“I’ll send someone over there,” Rex states as he starts tapping on his phone.
“Send Drew,” Les says immediately.
“Not Drew. He’s taking care of Lucy. Send Pooh. He’s good at fighting. Or Cash! He’s huge!” I exclaim.
“What’s wrong with Lucy?” Les questions, momentarily distracted.
“Candy and Freddy are on their way to your mom’s house. Lucy has some minor injuries. Tiny woman and a large untrained dog equals sidewalk surfing. Everyone take a deep breath and prepare what you’re going to tell your mom as to why she’s aboutto have company. Then call her,” Rex advises before walking away to speak with Horse.
“I don’t want to stay with Mom. If there is someone following me, I don’t want to lead them to her,” I say. “Same reason for staying with Drew. Lucy’s there, and I don’t want to put her at risk.”
“I win by default then. Go pack some essentials,” Les replies with a grin. “I’ll call Mom and explain.”