“Why, why isn’t that monster in jail?” Dunc stammered, staring at the photo. “Did, did he…” He didn’t want to ask, but at the same time, he had to know. He needed to know precisely what level of wrath he could morally justify taking out on Joseph if he ever saw him again.
“No. Amanda broke his leg,” Sallie shook her head no. “We think he paid off the judge.”
Dunc flipped the phone around so he didn’t have to look at the photo any longer, then he scooted it across the table to Sallie. He crossed his arms on the table and leaned his head on them in silence. No wonder Amanda was acting like she was. In the photo, she had a look of pure defiance and anger. That was at the end of her successfully fighting off an attack. Right now, she was afraid it was going to happen again, and she wasn’t going to be able to stop him. It wasn’t tricky for Dunc to figure it out. She was a strong woman, but her vigilance had worn her down. Amanda needed help, and she wasn’t going to ask for it.
“Go on home. I’ll bring Amanda over when she wakes up, and we can talk.” Dunc sighed and got up. “Call your dad, Sallie.”
***
Amanda was so tired out she slept most of the day. When the caffeine had worn off the previous evening, she had immediately crashed. The delicious and heavy lasagna didn’t help. Then there was how warm and secure she felt with Dunc. Her subconscious had made the decision that she could trust Dunc. Something about him made her feel safe enough she was able to fall asleep. She was so worn out she couldn’t fight it.
Dunc checked on Amanda frequently. He would talk to her for a few minutes and see if she responded, then leave. He didn’t want to do anything that would upset her or wake her up too early. After seeing the photo, Dunc felt the need to comfort Amanda any way he could, but he kept his distance. She needed sleep more than anything else.
***
Amanda yawned and sat up. She was completely disoriented and having a hard time figuring out where she was. Amanda had been awake for a few minutes when Dunc came to check on her. He kept the lights dimmed and brought her a glass of water. He had brought her water every time he checked on her in case she might be awake.
“I’m sorry, Duncan.” Amanda accepted the glass and looked embarrassed. “What time is it?”
“Six in the evening.” Dunc sat down next to her. “How do you feel?”
“Better,” Amanda mumbled. “I am so sorry. I hope I didn’t cause you any problems.”
“Your dad’s been working on your house.”
“My dad?” Amanda looked astonished. “He hasn’t spoken to me in almost a year. What is he-oh no.” Amanda palmed her face. “Sallie called him, didn’t she?”
“He’s… apologetic. Ready to go over to your house? We’ve been working on making it more secure, and I’m going to keep an eye on you until your J-word is dealt with.” Dunc paused, “I can come over anytime you want me to if you ever feel unsafe or just want company.”
“Okay.” Amanda sighed.
***
Dunc had met Amanda’s father earlier in the day. He wasn’t as awful as Dunc expected. Dunc managed not to say anything about what he knew. He was angry but patient enough to keep his mouth shut. The man he met was upset that Joseph had tracked Amanda down. He was a father worried about his daughter.
Amanda’s father had introduced himself as Marcus Waters. He thanked Dunc for encouraging Sallie to contact him about the Joseph issue. He didn’t tell Dunc what their family did, but he arrived with a crew of people. They swarmed over Amanda’s house marking off the best areas to put cameras. Within hours they had installed a full security system.
The locks were changed on every door, and more were added. Men were in and out of the house all day. Dunc saw them replacing some of the gates with more secure ones. Dunc didn’t like the cameras all over the place, but it was for his neighbor’s safety, so he kept his mouth shut on that matter.
“Amanda!” Marcus had been so excited to see his less than enthusiastic daughter. Dunc had stood aside as he met her with a hug. Amanda stiffened for a moment, then sighed and smiled, hugging her father back. “I am so sorry this is happening to you. We’ll do what we can to keep you safe until we can get you moved.”
“Dad. I appreciate the help, but I am not moving.” Amanda glanced at Dunc. “I like it here.”
“You should do what keeps you safe.” Dunc grumbled, turning and walking away. Amanda’s safety was more important than anything else. He repeated it over and over to himself as he walked to his house. Dunc walked past a group of children playing in his front yard. They were laughing and running in and out of the little ghost town, enjoying themselves. They were completely unaware of the awfulness of the world. Dunc sighed and sat down on his porch.
During October, Dunc could hear the kids laughing and playing for the entire month in what he had created. It made him happy to know he had made them happy and a little less lonely. Unfortunately, night had to fall, and the kids would go home.
Dunc watched the children sadly, realizing that night was falling. It had been a short day in his life, but it had been long enough he was going to miss not being lonely. He would miss her.
Chapter 5
M arcus Waters stayed in the house for several days, and Dunc stayed away. He half expected Amanda and
