Page 63 of Beyond Oblivion

“I don’t have one until after the first of the year,” Travis said.

“Convenient,” Camille said, that spark back in her eye.

“What’s going on?” My eyes bounced back and forth between them like I was watching a tennis match. I had no clue who was winning, but I was absolutely certain I was about to get hit in the face with the ball.

Travis looked confused. Camille definitely wasn’t.

“Nothing,” Camille said after a few moments. “Let’s just not throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Abby’s expression softened, clearly amused. “That’s a vintage phrase. You’ve been hanging out with Dad too much.”

Dad guffawed, his belly bouncing as he raised his glasses to wipe his eyes.

Everyone around the table couldn’t help but smile.There it is.I felt at home again.

“Then it’s settled,” Dad said. “Extra security, small schedule changes to cover blind spots, and Cami’s safe.”

“What about you?” Camille asked.

Her concern surprised me. “Baby doll, I can handle myself.”

“I know,” she said, breathing out a nervous laugh. “But what if she catches you off guard? I’m just in the way; it’s you she’s after. She wouldn’t be the first woman to overpower a man using surprise.”

“She’s not wrong,” Travis said.

“We’ll all just have to be vigilant,” I said, reaching down and pulling Camille’s chair closer to me. I kissed her on the cheek. “Me included.”

“Trent, be sure to include motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your yard in the security upgrades if you haven’t already.”

“I hadn’t, thanks,” I said, wondering what else I’d forgotten. “Anything else?”

“It’s not just about physical security,” Travis said. “We need to be aware of our surroundings. If you see anything suspicious, we have to communicate, even if it seems insignificant.”

“No,” I said. “I don’t want our entire universe to revolve around Madison Davis.”

“Like every other challenge, this is temporary,” Dad said.

“Is it? At what point can we relax?” I asked.

Dad and Travis traded glances.

“We’ll know,” Dad said. “She’ll fixate on someone else, or she’ll move, or she’ll get better.”

The thought of Madison lurking outside, watching, waiting, made my guts bubble like I’d just slammed down a bad burrito—both scenarios bound to end poorly. And honestly, it wasn’t just her unsettling fixation that messed with my head; it was the suspense of not knowing when she’d pop up again. Worse than my own paranoia was knowing Camille probably felt it, too. She didn’t have to say a word—the tight shoulders, the glances at the windows, and the way she clutched her coffee mug like it was a holy relic screamed it loud and clear. It pissed me off. Camille deserved to feel safe, not like a gazelle stuck in a National Geographic special. And the worst part? I couldn’t do a damn thing to stop the lioness circling. That hit harder than the burrito.

Abby shifted in her seat. “I agree with Dad. Being proactive is the best way to keep this from taking over your life. If we’ve got plans, preparations—Cami won’t have to keep looking over her shoulder. Trust me, I know what it’s like to feel that way, Trent.” She glanced at Dad and then gave me a nod. “We stick with the plan, and this will pass.”

For the first time in weeks, I felt like a pressure valve had finally released, and I could breathe again.

I exhaled. “Okay. We stick with the plan.”

As the conversation continued, we explored more ideas for security—additional locks, a neighborhood watch, and even the possibility of self-defense classes. With each suggestion, I felt my anxiety ease a bit, knowing they were just as invested in Camille’s safety as I was.

Dad’s voice broke through my thoughts. “The kids still outside? I don’t hear them.”

Camille shot up like someone hit the panic button, and I was right on her heels, with Travis and Abby trailing behind. The four of us huddled by the window, peeking through the glass. And there she was—Jessica, standing like a pint-sized bouncer between Olive, James, and a pack of neighborhood boys.

“She looks pissed,” Travis said, a grin creeping onto his face. “I’d better get out there.”

---