“It does seem strange that this is the same spot where we had the trespassing. But the cameras didn’t catch anything.”
“I agree,” Brian says.
Brian and Jackson talk about the cameras and the invisible fence. They determine they may have a short in the fence. “I’ll work with the grounds crew to look at where it could be.”
Brian heads out, and I continue talking to Jim. “We sent Corrine here to be safe. If she’s in more danger here than she is back in San Francisco, I’ll move her back.”
“Killing the chickens and leaving their carcasses behind is disturbing. Let’s see where the guys land after we research a little more. Then we’ll figure out if we need to do something else with Corrine.”
“I don’t want to alarm her.”
“Agreed.”
We disconnect the call, and I sit back in my chair. I’m almost ready to cancel my flight home tonight when Corrine walks in.
“What did you learn?” she asks.
“Not much. Last night we had someone trespass, but the floodlights went on, and we figured the culprit was scared away. It showed us that the system was working.”
“But now?”
“The dead chickens are a concern. Brian and his team will look into finding the dead spot in the fence and shore that up. I’m contemplating remaining here.”
She sits down in my lap. “You know I’d love it if you stayed, but I think given that we have Brian and the small team here, we’re fine. You have to work back in San Francisco. You need to get the solar film out to customers before Hydro does.”
This woman is completely amazing. She won’t show me any fear, and she’s focused on the company’s bottom line.
“I know, but I don’t want to leave you vulnerable.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll move back to the downstairs bedroom so I’m not so far away from everyone else.”
“Should we have Brian and his family move into the main house?” I ask.
“No, I think that would be counterproductive. Brian has a great set up in the pool house, and we’d upset the boys’ routines.”
“Then do you think Brian needs help?” I ask the question more for myself than Corrine.
“That’s something only he can answer, but I have to believe we’re a little paranoid because of everything that happened in San Francisco.”
“Okay, I guess you’re right.” I kiss her softly. “I’m hungry. Is Leilani able to make the scramble?”
“She’s just waiting for you. You also need to show her how to use that fancy machine you got.”
We walk back into the kitchen. Leilani’s eyes are still puffy and red-rimmed, but she’s in a happy mood. “I’m sorry, Mr. Graham. I’m not usually quite so emotional about the chickens on the estate.”
“That’s okay. I heard you say one was your best egg producer.”
“She was, yes. But we still have several others. We won’t go hungry.”
She places a steaming bowl of rice and eggs with all the fixings in front of me.
“You know,” I tell her. “I came back just for this breakfast.”
She beams. “Ms. Woods knows the recipe for when you’re both back in San Francisco.”
“I could never make it as good as you do,” Corrine says with her mouth full.
“It doesn’t take much talent. If you can scramble an egg, you can certainly build the marinade, cut the green onions, and dice up the SPAM. If you can’t, we’ll start some cooking lessons.”
“I’d be up for that. I’d like to learn to make your kalua pork, too.”
“I can’t be giving all my secrets away. You may not come back to visit.”
“We’ll be back. The weather is too nice not to come,” I assure her.
“I’ll have a picnic lunch ready for you in about an hour.”
“Sounds perfect. Thank you.”
After breakfast, Corrine and I move to the lanai to drink more coffee and prepare for our afternoon together.
Chapter 31
Corrine
Jackson left as planned after a late dinner. As I close the door behind him, I touch my neck, looking for my necklace and talisman, but it isn’t there. I took it off when I showered up in the master bathroom. I need to go get it. Right now, I’m just feeling too lazy.
I settle in to read my book. After a little while, my cell phone pings.
Jackson: Be sure to text me when you wake up. Sweet dreams, my love. Miss you already.
I miss him, too. And I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve moved back to the downstairs bedroom, and I feel safer here. An hour or so later, I turn off the light, but I struggle to sleep alone. I’ve always been a bad sleeper, but I do sleep well with him. I watch the clock hit two, and then it’s three. I try reading again, but nothing catches my interest. I keep thinking about where Jackson is in the air, and now he should be close to landing.
I take my tablet out and pull up Netflix, searching for something to listen to while I fall asleep. I settle on Dawson’s Creek from the late ‘90s. I’ve seen it before, but I’m hoping I can listen and fall asleep.
My mind is still active. It just bounces from one subject to another.
Bobby and Collette.
What a move back to Houston would look like.
Leaving Gabby behind.
Jackson my boss.
Jackson my lover.
I keep returning to the trespasser. They walked on the property despite all the preventative measures, and Brian and Jackson were here. In the back of my mind, I worry that they’ll be back, and Jackson won’t be here to protect me. I know the trespasser didn’t know Jackson was here, but there was a lot of activity over the weekend, and it didn’t stop them.
Eventually, I fall asleep, but I wake before
