Page 62 of Instinct & New Identity

“Got it,”Archerresponded with a hint of a chuckle to his voice, which implied he knew exactly what likely went down. “Isee the plate number on the gate camera.Giveme a minute to look into it.”

The car started to move again, soIalertedArcher.Whenthe car stopped next to mine,Ifelt my body become hyperaware.

“Archer,”Isaid, making sure he was watching.

“I see it,” he responded.

A man slid out from the driver’s side door and walked around to the front of the truck.Hewasn’t creeping in a stealthy way, but rather walking with slow, measured steps—like he was being extra cautious.Thenhe stepped into the light from the front porch, and recognition hit.

“Is thatParker?”Archerasked.

“Yeah, that’s him,”Iresponded. “Ithink we’re good—no need to run the plate anymore.”

“Got it,”Archerreplied. “Atleast now we know how he got through the gate.I’massuming he used theKnoxBox.I’lllet you go, but let me know if he has anything interesting to say.”

“Will do,”Itold him, then set the phone down on the counter and started toward the main door to meet him.

“What’s aKnoxBox?”Catasked from behind me.

“It’s what emergency services—like firefighters, cops, andEMTs—use to get into gated communities or homes, so they don’t have to ram the gate open to get in,”Iexplained, then opened the door toParker.

“Hey man,”Parkersaid as he walked up to the door. “Sorryto just show up, but afterIgot off the phone with you,Iwas on my way to meet with theSherriffone county west of here, whenOfficerHesscalled and told me about the threat toCatand her sister.Whydidn’t you tell me about it when we talked an hour ago?”

“I honestly figured you’d already heard.Sorry, man,”Itold him.

“IfI’drealized your dad had this place locked down likeFortKnox,Iwould have called first.”

I chuckled, figuring he must’ve seen the cameras as soon as he pulled in—probably why he stopped for a bit before coming down the rest of the drive. “There’sno land mines around the property, but he’s got cameras covering just about every angle.”

Parker didn’t stay for long.Wegave him a recap of what had happened with the chocolate delivery—the same story we’d told the other cops—and then he said he’d let us know if he heard anything.

“I know you are set for cameras, but do you have enough weapons on you in case something goes down?” he asked. “I’vegot my hunting rifle in the back if you want to borrow it.”

“I’m good, plus my dad has a few extras up here too,”Itold him.

“Alright,I’lllet you guys go so you can enjoy your evening,”Parkersaid asIwalked him to the main door. “Howlong you guys gonna stay up here?”

I gave him a vague answer—Iwas still hoping to convinceCatto stay a little longer. “I’mnot sure.Shewants to go back tomorrow to see her sister, butI’dlike to stick around a few more days until the dust settles so we’ll see.”

He nodded and made his way out.Iwalked back inside and locked the door.

“I’m glad that wasn’t an actual trespasser,”Catsaid from behind me.

Her voice brought me back to the fact that she hadn’t listened to me earlier.

“Woman,Itold you to stay inside the bedroom,”Icountered asIturned to face her. “Yes, we got lucky it was justParker, but if it hadn’t been, you coming out here would have made this a hell of a lot harder.”

“I’m not just going to sit around and watch someone try to hurt you,” she argued, putting her hands on her hips.

“It wasParker.Iwasn’t in danger,”Ipointed out.

“We didn’t know that!” she spat back. “Andyou have weapons in here.Icould have grabbed a knife or something to help you.”

“You can’t help me by wandering all over the house.IfIreally was in danger, you can call the cops.It’smy job to protect you, not the other way around.”

“Oh great, soI’mjust a job to you,” she snarled, crossing her arms.

“That’s not whatImeant.”Isighed. “I’mnot protecting you becauseIwork in security.I’mprotecting you becauseI’myour man, and it’s my duty to take care of you and protect you.”

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