Page 10 of Unexpected Danger
While the landlord was nice enough, Londyn doubted he’d be willing to spend the funds necessary for a camera system, especially since so many things in her apartment needed an upgrade. If he wasn’t willing to do that, why would he purchase cameras?
“I assume you have blocked the number from further texts?” Detective Rivas’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“I have.”
“Mr. Nuss’s phone number didn’t match the one the texts originated from. However, burner phones are always an option. Do you have a deadbolt on your apartment door?”
“I do. It’s a press-to-lock keypad door lock with an automatic deadbolt.”
Detective Rivas nodded. “Good. In the event that this person does contact you again, you will need to keep a log of the texts.You can also screenshot them. While we’re hoping this is the end of it, if it’s not, keep detailed records.”
“Yes, sir.” Her voice shook.
“As far as keeping yourself as safe as possible, park in well-lit areas, always carry your phone, be situationally aware, and trust your gut. Attempt to go places with someone else rather than by yourself and alternate your routine if possible. Call us immediately if you see or hear from him again.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Detective Rivas stood and shook her hand. “Stay safe, Ms. Siegler, and don’t hesitate to contact me if necessary.” He handed her a business card.
She stumbled from his office, her mind in a haze. What would happen next? Would Mr. Nuss—or whoever it was—return? How long would this continue? She prayed that the detective’s visit to the disgruntled client would cause the situation to cease.
Londyn struggled through the remainder of the afternoon, keeping her mind on work. When she entered the office, Jasmine, whose cubicle was directly across from Londyn’s, rose and met Londyn at the coffee pot.
“How did it go?”
Dustin sauntered over from his cubicle bordering Londyn’s and joined in the conversation.
“Detective Rivas asked me some questions and mentioned he paid BJ Nuss a visit.”
Jasmine jutted out her hip and planted her hand on it. “And what did Mr. Nuss have to say?”
“He denied it, although he lacked an alibi.”
Dustin refilled his mug. “Don’t they always deny it?”
Londyn released a mirthless laugh. “True. The thing that bothers me is that I wasn’t paying closer attention to his appearance—if it even was a ‘him’.”
“You’re not sure it was a guy?” asked Jasmine.
“I’m fairly sure, but it could have been a skinny woman. With the hoodie and mask, it concealed all but the person’s eyes.”
“Don’t feel bad about not knowing a lot about the person’s appearance. I read somewhere that eyewitness accuracy can be lacking at best.”
“I should have paid closer attention so I would know if it was BJ Nuss.”
Jasmine drained the coffee in her mug. “BJ Nuss should admit to being the one if it was him.”
“And get himself in trouble? Not likely. The guy sounds like a real winner.” Dustin set his mug on the coffee cart and cracked his knuckles.
“Thank you for all of your support.” Londyn had found strong friendships in Jasmine and Dustin. Something she’d missed since moving from Pronghorn Falls.
Jasmine wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “What are friends for?”
At five o’clock, Dustin escorted Londyn to her SUV in the parking garage. After an uneventful drive home, she changed into a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. Londyn perched on the edge of her bed and opened her Bible to her favorite verse, then prayed.
“Lord, please grant me the peace I so desperately need. Let this all be nothing but someone inadvertently texting the wrong person and a random, homeless drunk attempting to get inside. I pray You would keep me safe. And, Lord, please keep the Brenneman family safe. Please let Brodie forgive me, and if it is Your will, please let us someday reconcile. I miss his friendship. Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness and for watching over me all these years. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
She put her Bible back on her nightstand and strode into the kitchen to make dinner. Chicken noodle soup, always a comfort food, sounded good on this dreary day.
