by W.J. May
Chapter Nine
My stomach clenched up like a fist. “Really?”
He nodded. “It was just before midnight and I was in the kitchen, having a snack. I heard some weird scraping noises near one of the windows, and when I looked up, I could have sworn someone ducked away. I even went outside to check it out.”
I shivered. “Did you find anyone?”
“I didn’t. But I felt like someone was watching me when I was outside, too. I have to admit, it kind of scared the shit out of me.”
I turned to Nathan. “So, do you think I’m still seeing things?”
He looked at both of us and shook his head. “Fine, I believe you. Maybe it’s a Peeping Tom?”
Duncan shrugged. “Could be, or something worse. It also happened to me a few weeks ago, too, but I thought I was just imagining things. In fact, now that I think about it, I believe it happened around the night that girl went missing, Tina Johnson.”
I looked at both of them. “And last night, Amy was murdered.”
Nathan groaned. “Nikki, quit it already. You watched the news! They have evidence that she committed suicide. They found drugs in her car and her wrists were slashed. She was messed up. Caleb’s daughter even told him she had issues.”
“Maybe, but I still have a hard time believing it. Someone could have killed her and covered it up. She was terrified of something. Why would she warn us if she wasn’t?”
Nathan walked over and shook me playfully. “You’re making something out of nothing. Okay, even if someone was watching both of you last night, it’s probably just some pervert.”
“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” I asked incredulously.
With a determined look on his face, Duncan said, “You know what? I think we should try and catch whoever’s doing it.”
“How?” I asked, my heart beginning to race. It sounded frightening and exciting at the same time.
“We could set up video cameras. I have some extra ones in storage that we keep for the marina. Hey, we could monitor both our cabins.”
I nodded, feeling the surge of adrenaline strike every part of my body. “I think we should! If we get it on camera, the sheriff will take us seriously!”
“Fine,” replied Nathan. “If it’s going to help you get over your paranoia, Nikki, I’ll help Duncan set it up.”
“Okay,” said Duncan. “I’m pretty busy this morning, but around lunchtime, I can get them out of storage and start setting things up.”
“I have to bring Nikki to her interview this afternoon. We’ll stop by your place after and you can follow us out to the cabin to set up something there.”
Duncan nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Thanks, Duncan,” I said softly. “I’ve been going nuts about this.”
Duncan’s eyes met mine. “You’re welcome.”
“We’d better get back,” said Nathan, looking at his watch. “I’m hungry and Nikki probably wants to prepare for her interview.”
His eyes lowered and he grinned. “If she keeps that outfit on, she’ll definitely get hired.”
My cheeks burned red. I didn’t know what to say, although I had to admit, I was beyond delighted.
Nathan snickered. “Wow, Duncan, I’ve never seen Nikki at a loss for words. Do you want to move in with us? Could sure use the peace.”
I flipped him the bird. “Very funny.”
Nathan untied the boat and pushed us away from the dock. “See you later, Dunc.”
“Yeah, see you,” I said.
“Goodbye and good luck with your interview,” he replied.
“Thanks.”
As we drifted away and Nathan started the engine, I put my sunglasses on and watched as Duncan began fueling another boat. Not only was he cute, but he believed me, without question. So far, he was the only real good thing I’d encountered in Shore Lake.