We made it to Tommy’s house. I had her on the phone the whole time, once I made sure she had a hands-free option in her vehicle. I’d warned Tommy of my plan at drop off, so he and Keyon were ready when we arrived.
“T!” Keyon exclaimed as he launched himself into her arms.
“Hello, little man,” she murmured as she hugged him. I watched how she kissed him on the head and the way her eyes closed as if she treasured his affection. When she realized I was watching her, she blushed.
“Let’s go. Pass the man your keys.” I motioned to Tegyn.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m Tegyn, by the way. Thank you for helping me out.”
Tommy grinned. “Nice to meet you, Tegyn.” He opened his arms and I knew he was trying for a hug.
For all of half a second, I thought she might give him one. Then she simply held out her hand and his brows shot up. “She’s a good one, D,” he noted before we left his place. Tegyn had already gone out to the car with Keyon.
“Yeah, she is. Don’t go getting any ideas,” I warned.
“Don’t worry about me. Girlfriend just made it known she’s not interested. She good.” He chuckled.
By the time I slid behind the steering wheel, Tegyn had Keyon in his seat and was climbing into hers. “You’re amazing. Have I told you that?” I asked her, once again feeling grateful to have her in my life.
“Not today,” she joked as she leaned back in the seat.
“Well, I’ll try to be better at letting you know how much I appreciate you.” I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed her knuckles. She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” Something about her behavior had me worried.
Tegyn glanced out the window and I suspected she was collecting her thoughts. Finally, she gazed at me. “I’m going to be alone in the house tonight for the first time.”
I nodded. “I can see why that would worry you.”
“I don’t know the house that well. I don’t know all the sounds. And now that we’ve officially established Trent isn’t my problem, I’m worried about who might be lurking out there.” She gnawed on her lip and I wanted to kiss all her fears away.
“Listen, I’m using my whole team tonight. I can recruit more people if you’d like so you don’t have to be alone. You know, just until we figure this thing out,” I suggested.
She shook her head. “That seems expensive and time consuming. I’m sure I have nothing to worry about. I’ve been at your house for two nights and it has been quiet.” Tegyn shrugged.
She tried to appear calm, cool, and collected, but I could feel the worry radiating off of her. As soon as we walked in the door to the house, I hauled her into my arms. “Let me show you why you don’t have to be worried, okay?”
With a nod, Tegyn murmured, “Yes.”
I glanced at Tommy, who had immediately sat on the couch. “Watch little man for me a minute?”
“You got it, boss,” Tommy responded with a nod.
I returned my full attention to Tegyn. “So, this house is raised up because of the walkout basement. There’s no peeking in these windows,” I began. “Keep the blinds closed. I’ll close them all and check the windows before I leave. This brings us to doors.” I tugged her toward the front door and she looked like a deer in headlights as she followed me. “These are new locks. No one has a key but me.”
Her brows rose. “That’s encouraging.”
I knew what she meant. Camilla’s craziness had inspired the new security measures. “I’d give you a key, but you’re not allowed to go anywhere without me,” I reminded her.
Tegyn groaned. “I get it. I’m here. I’ll stay put. Geesh.”
I chuckled as I kissed her cheek. “The back patio door has a safety bar. I’ll make sure it’s set before I go. The family room French door is locked and deadbolted.”
“What about the laundry room?” she asked quietly. “I noticed that door doesn’t have a lock.”
“It doesn’t need one,” I assured her. “The only way to get in is through the garage. I have the only remote.”
She frowned. “That’s weird. I thought they usually came with two.”
“They do. The spare is in my office safe, along with my back-up revolver.” I pulled her close again. “You don’t need to worry. You’re going to be fine tonight. We’ll figure things out.”